Rudder Woes

[Mike Failmezger]

Please help,Just recently, I discovered that the lower rudder bolt that goes through the transom was loose. My most recent discovery was that there is water pooling around the keel bolts in the cabin and water in the lockers below the seats. Is it possible that this water could be coming from the loose rudder bolt. If so, does anyone have any recommendations on possible repairs?Please forgive the poor sailing terminology!!!

 

[Dale Wile]

Very likely

I would say that your conclusion is not only probable, but most likely. Water seeping through a loose rudder bracket bolt would flow under the aft bunk deck and collect in the storage compartments under the cabin seats, especially on the port side. Even though the bolt is above the waterline by a few inches, it would not take much wave action to splash water against and through the bolt. Caulk the bolt and nut, inside and out, and see if that corrects the problem. Good luck.

 

[Joe R.]

3m5200

5200 calks & binds. A great product.Trick (calk both sides of the transom and let the calking "kick" (harden a little) before the final snugging of the bolt/nut hardware.You may need to shift some weight forward to be sure the aft end rides high out of the water.check to see if the bolt will tighten before adding the calk or replace with new hardware.good luckJoe R.

 

[Dave Royce]

Mike, you need to check

the aft storage compartment behind the aft bunk. My 1994 23.5 would collect water there and not go forward. If you do not have holes from the aft storage to go under the aft bunk the water will pool behind the aft buck then leak around the half wall board. I had this probelm for sometime. I found out a few things that need fixing.First, the rudder bolts will allow water to pass through if not sealed. I wet set them 5200, them over coated them inside and out with 5200. I aqlso found transom cracks this spring. I had them repaired. Finally by removing the half wall in back of the aft bunk, I was able to get all the way back and look up to where the rub rails mount. and I found many hole which allowed rain water to enter the aft area also. I sealed with 5200 and then injected foam on both side. I know have a competely dry boat. I have not had any water inside in the past six months.Hope this helps.......

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

rudder gudgeons

The use of 5200 is excellent. It takes nearly a week to dry but recommend it over the 4200 quick dry as it is stronger based on experience.However, sealing from the outside or inside is not recommended. You need to remove the boat from the water as it would be esier but either way, the bolts and rudder attachements need to be removed, cleaned of caulk and then placed back on with new caulk and liberally apply it with some also on the bolt threads near the top of the bolt and of course underneath the plates and around the holes on the hull. You can clean up with acetone or better yet, alcohol which is not so bad on your hands.Crazy dave Condon