355 Aft Cabin Rudder Packing Nut Access

[gmac98004]

Hi Gang,

I’ve been tracking all of the “Rudder Packing” and “Water in Bilge” threads that have been posted over the last few years.

I have a 1998 355 Aft Cabin with no air conditioning. Here are a few of my facts:
1. Water pools up in aft cabin bilge (under bilge pump location).
2. Water pools up on galley bilge location (also under bilge pump location).
3. Water seems to be salty.
4. No leaks noticeable under water heater.
5. Water pump doesn’t cycle on/off. (thanks to all of you for helping me replace that bugger!)
6. In April had port rudder packing replaced while out of water. The packing was almost all dissolved.
7. Stbd rudder packing was too difficult to access but the mechanic did “tighten” it.
8. I have dripless shafts.

So, after that repair scenario in April, I still have some water coming into these bilges and would like to re-tighten both port and stbd rudder packing nuts and eliminate that as the possible culprit.

Can someone please tell me how best to access the stbd rudder packing nuts? Took off the counter top and the drawer of aft cabin cabinet but need at least another 6” of reach. Am I missing something obvious? Or maybe there is a great tool that can solve this situation?

Thanks for all of your wonderful help!

Be Safe, Greg

[tomschauer]

First thing to check is your shower sump.
Especially if you use the shower.
They get gunked up quick and will overflow into the bilge.
Also your shaft packing will drip and run to the rear bilge.
You can remove the 10" panel behind the bed. A few screws on the underside. It will give you some access.

[tomschauer]

PS, I'm surprised your 355 doesn't have a/c.
Thats unusual.

[True-North]

I had the same issue. Turned out it was the aft shaft strut thru-bolts leaking. Took me two seasons to figure it out. There should be a small triangular inspection panel in the floor just outside the aft head door under the carpet. The carpet will lift right up. Please keep us posted.

PS
I agree, very strange no a/c.

[gmac98004]

Hello True-North!

Thanks for the great input. Can you explain what your fix was once you discovered it was the aft shaft strut thru bolts? That may be a very likely culprit for me. Last weekend, I discovered about 7 gallons of sea water in that aft bilge area near the bed that doesn't have bilge pump access. And the boat has not been underway since I last emptied out that bilge area 5 weeks ago. Would appreciate any advice!

Also, it's true..........no A/C. But up here in Puget Sound would rarely have use for it.

Thanks, Greg