Rudder post hull interface ring

[RobertSchuldenfrei]

Hi Forum Readers,

We cleaned the bottom of Esprit du Vent yesterday.  While inspecting the undersides, we discovered a ring "floating" on the half inch of rudder post between the top of the rudder and the rudderstock tube in the hull.  It appears to be Delrin plastic and I am sure that it is meant to be sealed to the hull.  I have some West Marine "Epoxy Putty Stick" which I could use under water to reattach the ring.  I would put a tiny "bead" of this putty on the edge of the ring.  BUT, before I did anything I wanted to hear from the experts in this forum as to how serious this unattached ring is and if my fix is the proper solution.  We have been sailing for months in this condition.

Thanks in advance,

Bob

[Steve W10]

Hey Robert,

I don't think the factory used any adhesive on that ring or the one at the top either.

When I pulled my rudder a few years ago to do some repairs, like others have done, I gouged out a trough around the post to hold some 5200.  At that time I thought it a good idea to fill the trough (plus some extra 5200) and then slide the ring down onto it having the 5200 gush out and then tidy it up.  I figured it would give me a greater seal area to avoid water ingress from around the post.

Not sure just how smart it was, but seems okay after a year.

For the upper ring I had noticed some fibreglass wear where the ring was rotating against the housing so I thought maybe some 4200 to keep the ring stationary to the hull and have the sliding happen on the rudder post cap.  Unfortunately that one isn't holding, but not a big deal.

[Jeff Kaplan]

Bob,

That ring is supposed to be free floating, don't fasten it place....Jeff

[Ron Hill]

Bob : What you were looking at is a nylon bushing that the factory put between the rudder layup and where the stainless column goes in to the hull.  There is also another identical nylon bushing on the top side between the emergency tiller cap and the "hull" where the E tiller cap rides.

There should be little distance between the rudder, that bushing and the hull.  If there is space there you will note vertical play of the rudder when sailing in weather.  I took out that play by adding a second bushing under the E tiller cap.

I also recommend that you drop the rudder (take off the E tiller cap) and gouge out where the stainless column enters the rudder layup.  Fill that gouged out craves with 5200 and press the bushing down on to the 5200.  Then raise the rudder back into position and reinstall the E tiller cap.
That 5200 seal will keep water from migrating into the rudder layup and allowing the iron grid welded to the stainless column in the layup to rust.

A few thoughts

[RobertSchuldenfrei]

Bob,

That ring is supposed to be free floating, don't fasten it place....Jeff

Thanks Jeff & Ron.  Just goes to show you how much I don't know and the value of the C34IA!  To expose even more of my ignorance, what is 5200 and 4200? 

Cheers,

Bob

[Stu Jackson]

5200 is a 3M adhesive, also called, by many of us, Satan's Glue.  IMHO, it should NOT be sold to boaters, and its only use I can figure on a boat is the hull to deck joint.  It was used to "secure" the saloon hatch, for example.  After 25 years, all it does is dry out and leak, while still making it difficult if not impossible to remove the hatch.

4200 is a brother-in-law of 5200, a combined sealant/adhesive, slightly less sticky, just as stupid.

Don't bother with either one.  All you need is silicone (for your Beckson ports - the only stuff they recommend) and butyl tape from Maine Sail for everything else.

[RobertSchuldenfrei]

All you need is silicone (for your Beckson ports - the only stuff they recommend) and butyl tape from Maine Sail for everything else.

Thanks Stu.  I am very familiar with silicone and butyl tape.

[Ron Hill]

Bob : You can believe Stu or me!! 

You want to use 3M5200 (Home Depot) on sealing the stainless rudder column into the rudder layup.  It is the only fix that I have ever recommended 5200 for!! 

My thoughts