A-25 rudder post leak

[NickScheuer]

I see the "steering post leak" thread below for the A-27. Has there been anything similar for the A-25? Our 1976 Deluxe rudder post is showing a stead though small trickle. That, in combination with a leaking shaft seal is admitting a bit too much water for comfort. I've been following the shaft packing leak thread below and am on-track to do something about fixing that.

[kerrye]

I seem to recall a thread describing an o-ring at the top of the rudder post on the a-25

[dkirsop]

Here you go viewtopic.php?f=28&t=10756

[NickScheuer]

Many thanks, dkirsop!

[DesertAlbin736]

Got the tour of dkirsop's A25 "Sea Quill" in Thieves Bay marina on S. Pender Is. Very impressive & Bristol looking condition. Kudos to Dave for a primo looking boat. Well done!

[NickScheuer]

I've dropped the rudder out of the hull and after cleaning off some grit/gunk the post appears to be in good enough shape that it won't damage a new O-ring. Am slowly making progress driving the O-ring bushing out using a wooden dowel. It is an awkward hammer swing from below, but the bushing is moving, bit-by-bit. Thanks again dkirsop for posting the link to instructions w/pics. They are invaluable. I would not have been able to figure out on my own how the Albin is assembled, and taking the boat to a Marina on Lk Michigan (90 miles away) would have been $$$expensive.

I wish Albin had somehow keyed the lower rudder post bearing so it would be positively positioned vertically. As it is, only the socket head cap screw secures it axially, and it would seem that a knock on a rock might upset the proper alignment.

[dkirsop]

The rudder is definitely the most vulnerable part of the boat. I am particularly nervous when trailering over a steep grade transition such as a ferry ramp or driveway making sure not to drag the strut. In the water I have not experienced any problem but we have lots of floating logs in our water and I keep a sharp eye out. Having said that my boat is 47 years old and has survived thus far.

[NickScheuer]

After the fiber bushing finally popped out the top, there was a good place inside the rudder post tube, above the steel o-ring bushing, to spray in a little WD-40. After setting 20 minutes while I did something else, that o-ring bushing popped out with the first tap with the hammer.

After I get a new o-ring (the original is quite "flat" around its inside diameter) the whole rudder assembly will be easy to put together again.

[NickScheuer]

Got our rudder reassembled! I had to get a bag of ten O-rings from Grainger, though they were still cheap. If anyone needs one I'll mail one to you.

[kerrye]

I’ll take one. I’ll message you my address

Kerry

[NickScheuer]

Are you going to use the Private Message function provided here, Kerry?

[kerrye]

I used that function and I think it sent an email to you

Kerry

[NickScheuer]

No private message on AOG, Kerry. No email, either.

[kerrye]

I just tried again with a pm

[NickScheuer]

Received your PM; will mail tomorrow, Kerry.