Rudder post lube

[Mahaila]

In looking for the means to lubricate my rudder post this is what I found. It appears to be where I would lube but being so covered in rust I'm not sure how it functions. For scale, the larger diameter is about 1.25". Probably the whole thing unscrews but didn't want to attempt removal without asking opinions as it's near the waterline. Not likely there's water in there but didn't want to take the chance.

It's on a '79 C&C38. When I do get it opened/off any opinion on what lubricant and method is recommended would be appreciated.

Thanks, Ron

[Wotname]

Looks like it might be a grease cap. If so, it hasn't been used for a long time!

The large diameter part could be the cap which should then unscrew and be filled with grease and lightly screwed back on. Every so often, you tighten it a half or full turn which forces some grease into the bearing. When it is fully screwed down, you remove the cap and repack with grease.

Of course it maybe something completely different!

[Mahaila]

Thanks for the reply Wotname. Sounds reasonable. I'll see if I can unscrew that thing to clean it up.

So a rudder post is normally packed with grease - can anyone suggest what kind?

Thanks, Ron

[Mahaila]

Ah - with more searching I found a similar one and it seems to be specific to C&C. ]Lubricating rudder post on 33-1 - Moyer Marine Atomic 4 Community - Home of the Afourians

So it looks like it can be unscrewed and even replaced with a Zerk fitting.

Ron

[David M]

I use water resistant boat trailer bearing grease on my rudder posts. (twin screw boat)