[C38] Rudder issues

[Charles]

I am passing on a message from the owner of Grand Design that was sent 
directly to me:

I have “GRAND DESIGN”, hull #270 hauled out for an out of water survey. 
She has had recurring leakage from the rudder stuffing box and upon 
inspection I found out some things that I would like to share with the 
group.

If you are finding that your rudder stuffing box is leaking, you have 
one of 2 possible issues, or in my case, both. Our boats are getting up 
there in age so it’s a good idea if you haven’t been doing it, to drop 
your rudder to inspect for crevice corrosion on the stock.

“GRAND DESIGN” had a minute amount of play when steering caused by the 
tube wearing over the years. I had the stuffing box repacked after 
observing seawater in the bilge after a day sailing. After a month or 
so, it would leak again.

I had Windward Yacht Center in Marina del Rey drop the rudder and found 
damage caused by crevice corrosion on the stock both where the stuffing 
box is and in tube. Unfortunately, it was severe enough where I had to 
replace the rudder. A few days later, I found rust colored liquid 
seeping out of my old rudder where the stock enters the blade indicating 
corrosion caused as a result of seawater ingress.

I highly recommend other owners doing this inspection as a rudder 
failure could ruin your whole day.