matt_fahey
Matt Fahey
Had a bit of a blow in Long Island Sound in late September. As a result, Shepherd's Star broke free of its mooring (the underwater 1-3/4" line had been frayed through) and started to head for a local breakwater. Thankfully, Sea Tow was right there, grabbed the boat, and brought it safely to their dock. Thankfully, no damage. Two weeks later, I was able to return it to the mooring field. This time, the harbormaster set me on a "keg" mooring, with 5/8" chain - a very secure set-up, or so I thought.
Unfortunately, the swivel between the heavy "bottom chain" and the top chain failed. This time, the boat was run up on some nearby rocks.
I've been told by a diver the rudder has significant damage. At this time, I still haven't hauled the boat (which will happen next week), but I'm thinking it's time to replace it. While it's out, I'm told I should also inspect/repair the gudgeons and replace the rudder bearing as well. Has anyone done that? is it worth it? Has anyone replaced the old-school system of stuffing box with a dripless rudder shaft seal?
In a weird way, I'm looking forward to this work, as the rudder's age had always made me nervous - while it had never given me any problems (aside from a slow "leak" when in heavy seas, or when underway with the motor running), I was always worried that something, somewhere, would fail.
Unfortunately, the swivel between the heavy "bottom chain" and the top chain failed. This time, the boat was run up on some nearby rocks.
I've been told by a diver the rudder has significant damage. At this time, I still haven't hauled the boat (which will happen next week), but I'm thinking it's time to replace it. While it's out, I'm told I should also inspect/repair the gudgeons and replace the rudder bearing as well. Has anyone done that? is it worth it? Has anyone replaced the old-school system of stuffing box with a dripless rudder shaft seal?
In a weird way, I'm looking forward to this work, as the rudder's age had always made me nervous - while it had never given me any problems (aside from a slow "leak" when in heavy seas, or when underway with the motor running), I was always worried that something, somewhere, would fail.