As I am dusting off the bimini and breaking out the bubbly in preparation for my second year as a boat owner, I wanted to share my latest experience.
Last year I learned a lot from you guys and I really appreciate it. The saga continues this year, the only difference being the confidence that I have to resolve many of the known issues with this F27.
I had an issue with water in the bilge last year and assumed it was the shaft seal.
When I stopped into the barn where my boat was being stored and gave it the initial once over in order to start my to do list, I noticed my rudder was covered in rust. Upon searching a little more, the 4 bolts holding the mounting plate on where dripping slowly.
As it turns out, the leaky roof in this marina barn, saved me hours of frustration by allowing a small amount of water to pool up in the rear of the boat right by the rudder. I was then able to determine that the leak was not shaft seal or a rudder packing issue, but rather a bedding issue most likely cause by the previous owner's inflicted damage to the rudder.
So, some 5200 and 2 hours later, the problem is (most likely) solved.
I wanted to share this incase anyone else was experiencing anything like this. I searched the forum but only saw info about stuffing replacement and tightening of the packing and locking nut. Thanks again Team Trojan!
