Stuffing box for Rudder post 2004 34 Sundancer

[Setimos]

I noticed my stb rudder post area had water around it, I am familiar with stuffing boxes on prop staffs but didn't realize the Rudder shafts. Has anyone experienced this before? I purchase the packing gland thread and will be taking the boat out of the water next week for the season as i want to do some other basic maintainence chores prior to putting it away for the winter. Appreciate any advice thank you. Steve

 

[KevinC]

I noticed my stb rudder post area had water around it, I am familiar with stuffing boxes on prop staffs but didn't realize the Rudder shafts. Has anyone experienced this before? I purchase the packing gland thread and will be taking the boat out of the water next week for the season as i want to do some other basic maintainence chores prior to putting it away for the winter. Appreciate any advice thank you. Steve

Just tighten it first. Mine was leaking earlier in the year and tightening dried it up. Its a tight location but undo the lower lock nut first (lossen it like you would tighten to lower it). Then tighten up the top nut - it going to give some resistance so move it a little at a time. Just wait for it to stop dripping - leave it for a little while and if dry tighten up the lock nut (like you would loosen a bolt to move it up).

-Kevin