Rudder shaft leak......

[Mike Monte]

Hello: My boat launched a few days ago and I have noticed a small leak that seems to be coming from part-way-up my rudder shaft.

I have dried all-around the area and the leak is not coming from anywhere else, other than 1/2 way up the shaft as the water is working its way down to the bilge floor from there.

Through my online research, it may be a stuffing box issue that CAN be adjusted in the water.......however.........???

My boat is an '01 28TE.

Has anyone had a similar issue?

Mike

[Tree]

Just try tightening the nut at the top first. I guess the packing has dried out and may not seal until it’s swollen up some.

For reference, I used a Gortex GFO packing on mine almost twelve years ago and haven’t had to once touch it.