Water coming out of the top of the rudder tube

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:55 am

I have water coming out of the top of the rudder tube which I do not recall happening before. It comes out at a fairly good clip when I'm going fast. Is this normal or do I need to redo some packing material in the top of the tube? None of it seems to be getting to the bilge, just on the cockpit floor and out the scuppers.

Zach · Post by **Zach** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 10:32 am

Mine does that too when I've got a few people in the cockpit.

Curious to hear if there is supposed to be an o-ring somewhere, or what the story is...

Zach

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 12:44 pm

Ariels share this same annoyance. The Ariel Association sells a rudder post bearing like this. I installed mine this year and it has worked out great. Previously, I replaced the o-ring around the original bearing with short-term moderate success.

http://pearsonariel.org/discussion/atta ... 1207706271

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 3:17 pm

I know it would be just too much to hope the Ariel part would fit a Triton. :)

LazyGuy · Post by **LazyGuy** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 3:18 pm

Allen,

When you say "When I am going at a good clip" are you sailing or under power? If it is under power, ou are trying to go too fast. I have the same problem with the Luders.

The reason water comes through my rudder tube is that I am trying to push the boat up over the bow wave which pushes the stern down with the high pressure around the prop, the water is forced up through the tube. Next time you are powering up, you will see the boat come up just before you start getting water up the tube. You are trying to push the boat above hull speed. You probably need to take pitch out of your prop.

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 3:28 pm

Allen wrote:I know it would be just too much to hope the Ariel part would fit a Triton. :)

Well, the deadlights are interchangeable. Do you have the same/similar part on the Triton? I've got my old one at home and could get some measurements for you tonight if you'd like.

kendall · Post by **kendall** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 6:42 pm

Allen wrote:I know it would be just too much to hope the Ariel part would fit a Triton. :)

I'm thinking they will interchange, the tiller fittings seem to be identical as far as size and diameter. Sure the rudderpost is the same size, I can take measurements off the fittings, but my triton is couple hundred miles away right now, so measureing the tube's out.

Ken.

Ceasar Choppy · Post by **Ceasar Choppy** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:50 am

Renegades have a similar problem, but the O-rings on the top bearing do help to keep out the water.

http://www.renegade27.org/rudder.htm

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 11:08 am

Dennis, my speed through the water will be about 3.5 knots, SOG 5 to 6 knots (wind and current behind at 6 (actually hit 7 once with a lot of wind astern, surfing off some waves) current behind wind abeam at 5). This is running the engine at 2400 t 2600 rpm which is cruise mode on the Beta. I wouldn't think this was over hull speed. She does ride a bit low in the stern but with the radar mast, etc. KAHOLEE has a lot more weight on the stern than she use to. I will play around with my speed next time I'm out and see what the results are.

Mike and Ken, if someone had measurements that wold be great. :)

David · Post by **David** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 11:37 am

Allen,

Does this condition happen when both motoring and sailing?

David

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 11:52 am

I'll dig it up and try and get some measurements to you Allen.

Of course, the quickest/easiest fix would be to replace the o-rings on your current setup. That did pretty well for a couple of seasons. I didn't lube them up either, which I'm sure could only help. In fact, the reason I got a new fitting was because I broke my old one removing it to replace the o-rings again...

MikeD · Post by **MikeD** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 7:06 pm

Allen, I'm sorry to say I couldn't find my original bearing - I thought I had it on my work bench, but it must be on the boat in the spare parts drawer. Now I just need for sunshine and a weekend to coincide - so I can get to the boat.

Anyhow, here are a couple of links with more Ariel rudder bearing info and specs.
http://www.pearsonariel.org/discussion/ ... gs+bearing
http://www.pearsonariel.org/discussion/ ... gs+bearing

Sorry, hope this helps.

LazyGuy · Post by **LazyGuy** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 10:19 pm

Allen,

It sounds like it is a different problem with the same results.

With me, and the present propeller, I can get 2200 RPM, (5.6 Kts) no gushing, 2210 RPM (5.6 Kts)... gushing.

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 10:44 pm

David, haven't notice it sailing but haven't achieved those kinds of speed under sail yet. Motoring slowly there is no flow either.

Mike, thanks for trying and for the links.

Dennis, my flow is fairly linear, increasing as I speed up. I've got a 3 blade prop, btw, so that may make some difference. It does seem to be a forward velocity related flow though, varying with speed.

kendall · Post by **kendall** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 11:32 pm

And rainng when I got home, so I'll measure out the shaft, and tube diameters on the Ariel and get back to ya.
ken.

kendall · Post by **kendall** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 10:47 pm

Took some measurements, then remembered I had the manual buried in the garage somewhere so dug it out.

Rudder post is 1.5" ID 1.875 OD
Bearing is 1.875 at the flange, and 1.490 at the body, hole is 1.015 inch ID.

Next page shows the pretty little bronze/chrome cap and states: Commander-Ariel-Triton.

Going by the looks of that and the measurements I have from the odd triton parts I have here at home, I'd say go for it.

Ken.

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 3:36 pm

Thanks Ken, I'll order one of the Ariel units.

Very much appreciated guys, thanks to all.

Plastic Classic Forum

Water coming out of the top of the rudder tube

Water coming out of the top of the rudder tube

been kinda busy here