water coming up through the rudder post

becketbend · **Joined:** 03 Jun 2013 10:21 **Posts:** 5

On our first shake down cruise on #225 this weekend I noticed the bilge pump light coming on about ever 30 seconds. After finally finding the cause it was that water was periodically coming up the rudder post/tube passing over the top and pouring into the bilge. The water would recede, and then start again. This was happening below hull speed in calm conditions at about 5.5 knots. At rest or idle speeds this would not happen. So I assume it is when the boat starts to "squat" in the stern as it starts to displace more water the leak starts.

Is this related to the need for repacking the rudder stuffing box or something else?

The bilge pump easily kept up with the leak, but it is hardly a good thing.

Thanks.

Charlie
"metta" T37 1980 - Oriental NC

Timshel · **Joined:** 29 Dec 2010 10:24 **Posts:** 193

Probably a good idea to repack,you may have a grease fitting,mine has.Maybe you can tighten it up for this season and repack over winter,you will have to take the quadrant off, can be done in the water if you need to.I think the packing is 5/16
Regards Bruce. [just back from mine ,nasty t'storms today]

Down2TheC · **Posted:** 23 Jul 2013 19:28

Before you get into some major project, make sure it's not your hoses from deck drains to the overboards. That has pretty much the same symptoms if you were under sail and not power. Basically those hoses will crack with age and you'll get bilge levels showing high when you heel or it rains in the cockpit. Water fills the low point over the rudder and shoots forward under the engine.

If you were getting it while upright and under power, then you're probably on the right track.

becketbend · **Joined:** 03 Jun 2013 10:21 **Posts:** 5

Thanks for the tip but it is not the hoses. It is absolutely water rising up the rudder tube while underway at/near hull speed. Haven't had a chance to inspect the rudder packing yet, but it is on the list. Thanks...

Velera · **Joined:** 29 Dec 2006 09:38 **Posts:** 656

There is packing in there. As mentioned, you might be able to reduce the leakage with some grease in the zerk fitting (there is one on #373 any way). I have replaced mine and as I recall you might be able to do it in the water if you can figure a way to hold the rudder in place while you do it. You use the same kind of packing as in the stuffing box. This sounds peculiar as the bearing is really high relative to the water level, but I trust your observation. Important to set the brake on the wheel when moored to prevent this.

berwick · **Joined:** 21 Oct 2006 18:12 **Posts:** 327

I had to add a grease fitting to mine (drill careful and tap) This and replacing the packing
(Easy in the water) fixed my leaking issue,
Richard

Velera · **Joined:** 29 Dec 2006 09:38 **Posts:** 656

If you put a zerk fitting in the center, remember to turn the rudder to port and then to starboard as you grease it. Otherwise the grease just runs down the key slot. By the way, that might be the way the water is getting in. I am not sure how far down the rudder the key slot goes, but it would provide a nifty way for the water to get in. Greasing makes finger tip control of the beautifully balanced T37.

Ardea · **Joined:** 19 Mar 2007 16:40 **Posts:** 195

One more thing you might want to check before you start. Open the aft lazerette and observe the rudder stock as you turn the wheel back and forth rapidly through about 20 degrees. Check that the rudder stock only turns and does not move laterally. If it does changing the packing won't stop your leak.

chrisbedwards · **Posted:** 06 Feb 2014 09:43

My Tartan 37 #28 has water coming through the rudder post under power or at sail. Does anyone have a diagram I can look at to see how it is setup, including the steps for packing it? Just to give peace of mind when I loosen the rudder won't fall into the water.

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

Your rudder won't fall off unless you unbolt the pintle. The stuffing box at the rudder shaft relies on a compression of packing flax ( http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... vPY8_ltxpw ) by a collar that bolts to a fitting that is attached to the shaft log/tube. This is very similar to the drive shaft stuffing box from the engine set up. It is also above the static waterline on our boats, by about a foot. I don't remember the thickness of the flax packing but I would guess it's either 1/4" or 5/16". You will need to remove the quadrant to access this area and while you're at it, you should inspect the steering cables closely for frayed strands. Of course you will need to unbolt the compression collar, remove the old stuffing flax clean off the rudder post, install new flax, re-bolt compression collar to snug but overly tight. re-install quadrant. By the way, mark your steering cables for placement before disassembly so you can reinstall the same way.
Not sure if I explained it all clearly but once you start digging into this project it all will be very clear once you remove the quadrant.

Tartan37.com

water coming up through the rudder post

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