Trojan Boat Forum

My forward bilge is kicking on frequently. I understand it could be my stuffing boxes or rudders. How hard it it to tighten the stuffing boxes or repair the leak if it is at the rudder fittings? The stuffing boxes have been tightened in the past but did not stop the accumulation of water in the forward bilge. Is this something that should be done by a mechanic?

Any comments would be appreciated!

Frank

I had the same problem of water gathering on my 1984 F36. Found that the threads on the drain plug were leaking removed everything when it was out of the water and resealed it. No more issues at this point.

You will need to look and see where the water is coming from .

If the stuffing boxes are leaking (Remember some drip is normal and needed ) It maybe time to repack them . If the rubber hose is leaking ,the boat would need to be pulled . couplers remove from the shafts and shafts slid back . remember some drip is normal and there for some water in the forward bilge is .

Had the same problem a few months back, repacked the stuffing boxes with GFO and re tightened after a few trips and it seems better. I was forced to look since I was monitoring the engines the entire time and managed to see it happening.

do a search on here for "stuffing box" and you'll find lots of info.

The rudders are fairly easy to tighten as well. Like Wowzer said - do a search ...