Rudder Stuffing Box

[randyp]

When we got back from the canal trip I removed a locker that had been built and installed across the rear of the cockpit. This finally gave me access to the panels over the rear of the bilge, including the rudder.

I noticed that there was a small amount of water weeping up the rudder shaft past the stuffing box. I adjusted the packing nut slightly and this seemed to reduce the water (again, it's no big deal, but I have noticed water rising in the cabin bilge when we're at the dock and the lake is bopping up against the transom - usually when we're there's a storm or front coming in from the northeast).

My brain tells me that the rudder shaft does not need water lubrication like the prop shaft so there should be NO water coming up the rudder shaft. I think the packing may be stiff and should be replaced when the boat's out of the water this winter. Or maybe I don't need to do anything and let it weep a few drops like the prop shaft.

Any advice?

Thanks!