The J/109 Class Association Forum

When sailing in heavy breeze (i.e. a lot of heel), we have noticed an accumulation of water under the seat at the nav station. Haven't quite figured out the source. One theory is that water is entering through the bow sprint encasement.

Has anyone else experienced this problem and has anyone seen a boot or gasket to provide a water-tight seal around the sprit?

THANKS,

Terry L. Richardson
Hull #58 - Lioness

Terry,
Back when she was Liberty, she would leak from the lower rudder bearing, its adjustable with a allen wrench. If its too loose, you will get water in around the rudder bearing, and that runs down and collects in the floor pan aft of the bilge. When the boat heeled, it would show up under the Nav Seat and in the cabinets under the stove. If the bearing it too tight it makes the rudder stiff and feel like its binding up some. There is a nice balance point were the bearing doesn't leak and the rudder swings pretty free. See the Edson rudder bearing maintenance sheet posted in the members section of the site. Feel free to call me and I can try to give you a better description if needed (757-635-3007)

Pete Morrison

Pete:

Thanks for the great information. I will certainly check the lower rudder bearing.

We are really enjoying the boat. You maintained her in immaculate condition and she is a joy to sail.

Terry

Terry, we just had a go-round with water in the aft bilge area also. Our issues were a small crack in the stearn shower head that leaked when the water system was pressurized and a fitting on the water heater that leaked only when tanks were fairly full or pressurized.