Hello all We have recently purchased a boat and am currently going over it and trying to learn how it all works. I have a question in relation to the rudder stock. I have seen stuffing boxes on rudder stocks in the past that used hose clamps and a rubber assembly. On this boat however there is no such thing. From the photo attached can I assume the box is the green fitting with rusty circular nob? What maintenance is suggested on this area of the boat? Any information on this topic would be appreciated as my old boat with transom hung rudder was somewhat more simple? I dare say this won't be the only question about this boat posted on the forum. Cheers

It looks like a gland/stuffing box to me. I haven't seen one with the screw knob, maybe it's a lubrication point, insert a grease nipple and give it a couple of pumps? It is quite likely it doesn't need any servicing until it weeps and then a bit of a nip up will do the trick. Ramona was posting at the same time. Seems like we are in agreement.

The "rusty knob" is a grease cup. The reason why it is rusty is because the lousy bastards who manufactured the lubricator were cheapskates and made it out of steel instead of brass. It will eventually fail. If the yacht were mine I would be removing that lubricator and fitting a grease nipple and buy a good quality grease gun such as a Tecalmit. The lubricator is there to grease your rudder post bearing not the gland. Walker's gland packing is self lubricating. By the looks of that gland it could do with a little nipping up on the starboard bolt and you have an amount equal to one turn of packing left in adjustment. You will most likely have a similar gland on your propeller shaft. Your rudder post does not generally suffer as much action as your propeller shaft if the vessel is in regular use. However, if like most boats it spends most of it's time idle on a mooring the rudder post will get more movement than the propeller shaft due to wave action. This is why it is so important to solidly lock the rudder (not the steering which may have slack in it) when left moored. By your handle (Duncanson) and location (S.A.) and the photo, I would bet a penny to a pound that you have bought a Duncanson yacht. Duncansons are a great stamp of a yacht but improper maintenance will bring the best sailors and yachts undone just like the smallest leak will sink the biggest ship. Congratulations on your purchase and if it is a Dunc 40 you have a great stamp of a yacht. Put your stamp on it. Cheers Cisco.

Thankyou I will either change the lubricator to a grease nipple. Or Replace the grease cup. I hope it's not so rusty that removing it is difficult will see how it goes. Next time the boat is out of the water I will replace the stuffing. It is all dry at the moment with no weep. Opps boat in WA not sure why profile states SA will update, she is a Duncanson 34. As I gain familiarity with all the different systems and parts etc. am bound to have many more questions, this forum really does appear to be a great resource.