Newbie Question - Slow Drip Around Rudder Shaft

[hatchetjoe]

It's been a effort because of all the after effects from Hurricane Irma but I finally got my 2002, engine box, 28TE home to Saint Marys. I had a great time with a delivery captain running from Punta Gorda, Florida across the Okeechobee waterway and up the ICW. It took 3.5 days but was worth it to learn about handling the boat, locking through, and piloting the ICW from a full-time tutor.

My question is that I have noticed a slow (1 drop per 1-2 seconds) drip from around the rudder shaft. Is this normal or something that I need to address soon?

Thanks!

[Russell]

The rudder stock has a stuffing box that occasionally needs to be tightened. There is a locking nut to loosen and then tighten the packing nut until the leaks stops. Then tighten the locking nut.