should I be concerned about this?

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Hi Folks, Just visited the boat, survived the New England Winter pretty well, however noticed this water stain emanating from top of rudder, should I be concerned? What’s involve to fix it? Where should I look in archives? Thanks, I’m mechanically challenged. Bob Ulwick, Wharf Rat, 30C, Scituate, MA

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It’s water that has drained out of the rudder tube over the winter. Not a serious issue. You may want to be sure that you regularly grease the rudder shaft with the grease fitting attached to the rudder tube. This will keep the water from entering the tube.

The other option may be that you need to reseal your rudder tube where it fits into the hull but my best guess is the first one.

Jamie Morrison
Dexterity II
30U 225
Halifax, Nova Scotia

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I worked on this just last week, Bob. My problem was water slowly wicking
in along the bottom edge of the rudder tube gussets.

I decided to clean the area where the rudder tube extends below the
hull. You need to drop the rudder just about an inch or so, using an
automotive floor jack and a soft wooden block for support.,
The floor jack will hold the rudder in position while you loosen the two
5/16" grub screws, and remove the large nut at the top of the rudder
shaft. Lower the jack slowly and the shaft/rudder should follow. You will
only be able to drop it about an inch, but that's enough to work with.
I used "dentist pick" style of a tool to dig out the old sealant. With a
latex glove, you can replace the sealant with 4200.
Then coat the rudder shaft with marine grease, and raise the rudder back
into position by using the car jack. You may need to wiggle the rudder a
little if it binds from raising any. Replace the shaft nut and tighten the
grub screws.
Finally, pack grease in the grease cup, and screw the cup in until it
bottoms out. This will inject grease into the rudder tube,.... and it
helps if you have someone turning the wheel at the same time. You may need
to do this part several times.

Jack Dokter
Penetanguishene, On
Nine Lives 099 26C W21

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Hi Folks, Just visited the boat, survived the New England Winter pretty well, however noticed this water stain emanating from top of rudder, should I be concerned? What’s involve to fHi ix it? Where should I look in archives? Thanks, I’m mechanically challenged.

Thanks Jack, great post.

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Thanks, Jamie.
I’ll keep an eye on it.

Bob Ulwick, Wharf Rat, 30C, Scituate, MA