Rudder Post leak

DeliveryCaptain · Oct 10, 2024

Hi Trawler-ites,
I have a very small leak from the square base of my rudder posts. I've applied 4 tubes of West Marine emergency epoxy which stops it for a day or so then it starts trickling out again. Splash Zone epoxy repair was recommended. Anyone have any experience with this stuff?
1981 Hershine '40

rslifkin · Oct 10, 2024

If it's leaking where the rudder log mounts to the hull, the only fix is to haul the boat, drop the rudder and re-bed the rudder log.

Comodave · Oct 10, 2024

Or if it is the fiberglass to fiberglass then you should grind it out some and lay in a couple of layers of structural glass. Just putting some epoxy on the outside won’t work, it is like caulking the outside of a window frame. The way to fix it will be more work than laying some on the outside.

DeliveryCaptain · Oct 10, 2024

I think that may be the fix. but its in a hard to get at place.

Comodave · Oct 10, 2024

DeliveryCaptain said:
I think that may be the fix. but its in a hard to get at place.

Well, that is pretty much the situation in working on boats. Just have to figure out what is the best way to get it done.

kthoennes · Oct 10, 2024

Oh heck I still have a bruise across the bottom of my rib cage from hanging over the edge of an access hatch for half an hour to replace a shower sump box in the aft bilge.

Comodave · Oct 10, 2024

Yes, I am having more and more problems doing some of the work required on our boat. So far I have been able to get it done but where I used to be able to work 10+ hours in a day now it is more like 2 or 3. So everything takes longer. Good news is that I have most of the heavy lifting done.

Bmarler · Oct 11, 2024

Splash zone is a great product. It won’t cure the root cause in this instance, but can be used as a temporary measure till you fix it properly. You will need to get the area clean though, so it bonds well.
If there’s movement from the hull flexing or strain on the rudder post, you need to solve that problem too.

Mike H · Oct 25, 2024

We had a similar leak on our starboard rudder. When we recently hauled it, I had the yard look at the leak. The post was rotting out. We pulled both rudders and replaced both posts. At the same time, we had to replace the macerator thru-hull (why we hauled the boat). That post, too, was rotting and was replaced. I'm guessing that the blocks on all the other thru hulls are beginning to rot. Project for the next haul....

oftngone · Oct 25, 2024

DeliveryCaptain said:
Hi Trawler-ites,
I have a very small leak from the square base of my rudder posts. I've applied 4 tubes of West Marine emergency epoxy which stops it for a day or so then it starts trickling out again. Splash Zone epoxy repair was recommended. Anyone have any experience with this stuff?
1981 Hershine '40

oftngone · Oct 25, 2024

As mentioned above, Splash Zone is a great epoxy and specifically designed to cure even if submerged. I have made numerous temporary patches using it but only find success when applying it to a dry, well prepared surface.
I’ve been sailing on old rusted out commercial ships for over 25 years and splash zone is always on hand for quick and dirty patches. I’d say what makes “underwater epoxies” so popular is that you can mix them in water in a small container which is much less messy and easier to apply and control.

Rudder Post leak

DeliveryCaptain

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rslifkin

Guru

Comodave

Moderator Emeritus

DeliveryCaptain

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Comodave

Moderator Emeritus

kthoennes

Guru

Comodave

Moderator Emeritus

Bmarler

Guru

Mike H

Veteran Member

oftngone

Member

oftngone

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