Sailing Uma · video

What this video covers

The crew of Uma replaces a worn rudder packing gland flange and repairs the surrounding fiberglass skeg to eliminate rudder shaft leaks and steering play.0:05 After removing the original 50-year-old flange, they install a heavier-duty, longer-tube version that requires widening the internal fiberglass tube by one millimeter using a 60-millimeter flapper sanding bit.1:46 To ensure precise alignment, they temporarily mount the rudder before bedding the new flange in epoxy.4:13 The crew also grinds out water-damaged foam from the skeg, patches the interior with fiberglass, and fills the void with new foam and resin to prevent future water pooling.5:08 They install a new bushing at the base of the rudder shaft to eliminate a persistent clunking sound caused by shaft wobble.20:11 The final assembly involves polishing the rudder shaft and securing the flange with new hardware, significantly improving the structural integrity and sealing of the steering system.18:43

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