Nut holding rudder shaft should be checked
Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2017 5:26 pm
I want to report that I recently had the packing of my PDQ 34 rudders changed, after I had noticed leaks oozing from the top of the rudder shafts, inside the 2 hulls. The work was done by Ocean Gate Yacht Basin, NJ. While doing it, they noticed that the big nut that holds the rudder shaft in place, on the starboard side, was severely cracked. Had the nut broken and become separated from the shaft, I suppose I would have lost my rudder... and had to deal with a serious case of water in the bilge.
The boatyard was very surprised, and had no other example of such an incident. The only possible explanation they could think of was an over-tightening of the nut in some distant past.
I would suggest to PDQ 34 owners an inspection of that nut whenever they feel inclined to crawl in there.
Happy cruising to all.
Jacques
The boatyard was very surprised, and had no other example of such an incident. The only possible explanation they could think of was an over-tightening of the nut in some distant past.
I would suggest to PDQ 34 owners an inspection of that nut whenever they feel inclined to crawl in there.
Happy cruising to all.
Jacques