I got a 1995 50' and the rudder seals are seaping quite a bit. What is typically normal and how much is too much?
Aren't they packing glands? If so just tighten the gland nut a bit. Rudders really shouldn't seep at all.
I agree, but they may need to be repacked (old packing pulled out, new packing put in, then tightened).
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.
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?
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.
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.