Leak at rudder tubes

[Ian Fleming 1Participant @ianfleming1]

Hi eventually got my version of Ellie into the water(a home made plastic tank). Prop shafts working well with absolutely no leaks and I'm delighted about that. However I have a minor leak at both rudder tubes as they penetrate the hull. There is a neoprene seal which should be compressed onto the outside of the hull when tightening the tube onto the hull skin but it is leaking at this location.

I cannot compress the seal anymore and trust someone can advise what can be done to resolve this minor problem

Thank you in anticipation

Ian

[Ian Fleming 1Participant @ianfleming1]

Ellie

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Ian. I never rely on those seal. I would take the tubes out, take off the seals and then smear the tubes with epoxy and reinsert!!! or perhaps silicone sealant.

Ashley

[Ian Fleming 1Participant @ianfleming1]

Thanks Ashley that's an easy solution I'll do it using epoxy or sikaflex 512 .

Don't know why other than senility I didn't ask first!

Thanks again

Ian

Edited By Ian Fleming 1 on 22/08/2017 18:29:26

[harry smith 1Participant @harrysmith1]

Hi Ian

I use plumber's silicone tap grease on my seals and also lube for the drive shafts.

Canabus

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Ian

Glue them in with twin pack epoxy (Araldite Rapid or similar) and you will never have to worry about them again.

Paul

[Ian Fleming 1Participant @ianfleming1]

Thank you guys,

Have now glued "them in with epoxy" ,boat back in tank and all appears leak free. Should have asked first,even the supplier told me yesterday that the neoprene seals which were provided by him were useless.

Hindsight never comes at the right time!

Thanks again

Ian

[Dodgy Geezer 1Participant @dodgygeezer1]

I find two common issues with rudder tubes – which does not mean that either of these are applicable in this situation, of course.

1 – the point where the tube exits is not a flat surface. Typically, if the 'V' of the hull flattens towards the transom, there is usually a slight 'V' at the point where the rudder is.

2 – the rudder tube is only secured at the base of the tube, while the tiller provides sideways forces at an inch or three above this. If there is a thick keel this can be OK – if not the base of the tube will tend to flex under load and eventually leak.

I usually address these issues by making a flat at the rudder exit and epoxying a washer in there, and providing support half-way up the tube. Easier to do if you're not using a made-up rudder with a screw fitting….

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