Rudder tube leaking

[dave_and_dd]

Finally traced down an annoying leak I've got just when underway. (Actually, only when motoring at cruise or higher). Turns out it is leaking from the rudder tube, BELOW the seal. Or (I think) more technically at the juncture between the rudder tube itself and the flange to the bottom portion of the seal. Once I found this, it was so obvious. Looks like there was a lack of sealant/adhesive where that bottom flange insets into the rudder tube. See picture, where the black line (shadow) is is where water comes pouring out during motoring.
1. I'm going to try to seal it for temporary until I next put it on the hard for painting. What's your thoughts on viability of sealing it? I think i'm inclined to use 4200 to try.
2. When I do take this out of the water to fix correctly, I'm guessing i need to pull this whole flange up along with taking out the rudder and likely bearings, etc. How difficult do you think getting this up would be?
3. Anybody have an idea of like a diagram of this assembly? I'm not sure what to expect?

Thanks - boat is a 2007, Catalina 309.
Dave in Tampa

 

[capta]

Not really familiar with that boat, but that looks like some owner cobbled together 'make do'. I believe Catalina is still in business, I'd shoot the pic off to them for advice.

 

[dave_and_dd]

Hey thanks Capta - I actually think it is original. The PO disclosed a lot of any changes/repairs that had been done. I'd be really surprised if he had done this as different than original. I will try to contact Catalina and see what they say. They are not too far away from me, I can even stop by and show them the various pics.

I'll probably go put some 4200 on it this afternoon to see if that helps for now.

thanks, Dave

 

[capta]

If that is an original Catalina construction method, I've lost a lot of respect for the brand.

 

[kloudie1]

Not familiar with that boat, but it looks like a packing gland where the top is the pusher and the bottom holds the packing.. it is probably just above the waterline (boat squat at speed submerges it) and if it doesn't leak when you are back there, it is probably above the waterline a smidge still.. It appears that the lower part of the gland is inside of the glass tube and secured with the set bolts that are sticking into the glass tube.. if you have some inches above the entire gland, you most likely could loosen the packing then the set bolts then push the assy up a couple of inches, clean up the engaged part of the packing holder, put a goodly gob of 4200 all around the holder, then slide it back down and tighten the packing a bit.. then set the keeper bolts after the packing is tightened a little so that the holder is centered on the rudder tube.. the idea is to get sealant between the section of the packing holder that is inside the glass tube but not get sealant on the rudder shaft or in the gland.. Doesn't look too bad..