Corrosion on Rudder Post Above the Packing Gland

[Tom Foley]

I have pitting in my 2 1/2 inch rudder post above the packing gland. I ground out the pits and passivized the metal with Wichinox, but the pitting has returned. The rudder appears to be in good condition other than this. I try to keep my rudder post leak free, but it wheeps a bit. I believe this small amount of wheeping (perhaps not enough) causes the water to stagnate and become oxygen starved and causes this pitting. Can this be the cause, and if so how can it be resolved. Should I increase the leak rate or should I attempt to stop all leakage? Any other recommendations?