Click for Westport Click for YF Listing Service Click for Mulder Click for Nordhavn Click for Burger

Rudder seals

Discussion in 'Post Yacht' started by Justin Lee, Jan 21, 2017.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. Justin Lee

    Justin Lee New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2016
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    houston
    I got a 1995 50' and the rudder seals are seaping quite a bit. What is typically normal and how much is too much?
  2. baltimore bob

    baltimore bob Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2013
    Messages:
    314
    Location:
    Baltimore, Maryland
    Aren't they packing glands? If so just tighten the gland nut a bit. Rudders really shouldn't seep at all.
  3. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,432
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    I agree, but they may need to be repacked (old packing pulled out, new packing put in, then tightened).
  4. Tommy Rice

    Tommy Rice Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2015
    Messages:
    30
    Location:
    Panama City Florida
    Make sure you back off the jam nut then tighten the packing gland then retighten the jam nut. Observe the packing gland and if it requires retightening soon after the first adjustment try maybe once or twice more
    to stop the water. If that doesn't work have it repacked. Or try it yourself just make sure you use the proper size Packing. It may take a week or so to determine if it needs repacking depending on how much you use the boat.
  5. jerry bredow

    jerry bredow Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2015
    Messages:
    37
    Location:
    Longport, NJ
    I have a 1998 47' with the same issue. I was told by the yard that the boat had to be pulled and the seals replaced? Never a mention of packing glands? Any insight?
  6. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,432
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Not sure on your model. But yes, some newer boats don't have rudder packing, the rudders are greased and they have seals to keep the water out. Sort of like a dripless system for rudders.
  7. jerry bredow

    jerry bredow Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2015
    Messages:
    37
    Location:
    Longport, NJ
    Sounds close to what they said! Do you agree that the boat needs to pulled?
  8. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,432
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Absolutely. You have to completely drop the rudders to clean everything properly, and re-assemble. If it's not leaking too badly and the rudders aren't really stiff, you can probably wait till your next bottom job.
  9. jerry bredow

    jerry bredow Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2015
    Messages:
    37
    Location:
    Longport, NJ
    Sad to say but the steering is super hard!