Replace Exhaust Elbow? - Freedom 30

[Earthman]

Hi all -
I purchased a 1987 Freedom 30 a few weeks ago (A terrific and past due upgrade, after having a F-25 for 25 years). I wasn't there for the survey and am going through the report that includes the following:
"Corrosion and possible leak observed where the engine exhaust exists the transom [Figure 12.14]. Monitor for leaks after launch with engine running and repair if necessary. Clean and treat corrosion."

I've attached the survey photo that shows the elbow with rusty liquid dripping from it.
Please...
- Do I go through the port lazarette to access the elbow?
- There is a round plastic white cover mounted on the horizontal area at the stern side of the cockpit, just inboard of the stern railing. Looks like it has two indents where I could insert a slotted head screwdriver to pry it open. What is that cover and does it open?
- If the elbow should be replaced, where might I purchase a replacement?
Thanks!!

[Stephen_H]

Congrats! Just sold my F30 a few years ago. There are two options to access the lazarette/inside transom area depending on where you’re trying to go. One is through the cockpit locker, if you’re trying to get to the port side of the rudder shaft. On the starboard side (where the shore power connection was on my boat) the aft bulkhead of the quarter berth will come out by removing the perimeter screws.

The cover on the top of the transom is to access the top of the rudder shaft and is where the emergency tiller attaches.

[gamayun]

Congrats on the "new" boat" I think you're gonna love it. I have a F38. The exhaust elbow and its connection to the outside are hinky on the Freedoms (note the white caulking holding it in place) so this is as good a time as any to fix this. That elbow itself should be replaced (not "repair" as the survey language suggests). With that much rust you are likely to be exhausting hot water and carbon monoxide in your boat especially if there's a known leak. You should always check that water is coming out when the engine is running. The exhaust hose is accessible -- not easily, mind you, if you're a big person -- through the port locker. If you're pulling everything off (my approach to boat work) you might consider replacing the exhaust hose too especially if it's looking kinda worn. The exhaust port on the transom is low to the water and should be easily visible standing on the dock. I recommend you do this work when you're on the hard. You might also look at upgrading that exhaust port with a check valve. These are all on my To Do list for next time. Do let us know how it all works out!

[Earthman]

Congrats! Just sold my F30 a few years ago. There are two options to access the lazarette/inside transom area depending on where you’re trying to go. One is through the cockpit locker, if you’re trying to get to the port side of the rudder shaft. On the starboard side (where the shore power connection was on my boat) the aft bulkhead of the quarter berth will come out by removing the perimeter screws.

The cover on the top of the transom is to access the top of the rudder shaft and is where the emergency tiller attaches.

Hi Stephen and thanks for the helpful info! I should have figured that the stern berth aft bulkhead would be removable, and I need to dive into the port lazarette to give it a good cleaning so will explore that area then. From your post, I'll also look for an emergency tiller!!
Appreciate it, Steve

[Earthman]

Congrats on the "new" boat" I think you're gonna love it. I have a F38. The exhaust elbow and its connection to the outside are hinky on the Freedoms (note the white caulking holding it in place) so this is as good a time as any to fix this. That elbow itself should be replaced (not "repair" as the survey language suggests). With that much rust you are likely to be exhausting hot water and carbon monoxide in your boat especially if there's a known leak. You should always check that water is coming out when the engine is running. The exhaust hose is accessible -- not easily, mind you, if you're a big person -- through the port locker. If you're pulling everything off (my approach to boat work) you might consider replacing the exhaust hose too especially if it's looking kinda worn. The exhaust port on the transom is low to the water and should be easily visible standing on the dock. I recommend you do this work when you're on the hard. You might also look at upgrading that exhaust port with a check valve. These are all on my To Do list for next time. Do let us know how it all works out!

Hey Gamayn, thanks for the helpful info! Yes, already love the F30 and have had some fun and fast sailing, plus an overnight. Also happy with the systems and interior, but there is a fair amount to improve.
I'm liking your input of going ahead to replace the exhaust elbow and will do that after haulout, and maybe also the hose. Will also take a look at the funky caulking. Hope I can find an elbow replacement. Please let me know if you have any idea where one can be located.
We check the exhaust port each time we start the boat by looking over the stern rail, but thanks for mentioning. I've told the other users to shut her down immediately if they don't see the water exhaust.
Thanks for the advice!

[Stephen_H]

FYI - the emergency tiller is just a welded “L” of thick aluminum tube (like 3” I think). So don’t look for anything fancy.

[mike cunningham]

Welcome fellow F30 sailor. You have just purchased the world's best sailboat!

Coincidentally my first sailboat with a cabin was also Freedom 25 (wing mast). In Seychelles of all places.

The elbow is very very simple. Go to a hardware store and buy a galvanized pipe elbow of the correct diameter (I think its 2.5 inches but I did mine a long time ago so verify) and you are good. Actually, I need to do it again, they seem to last about 10 years or so. I recommend using high quality T clamps for all your exhaust connections, I have had run of the mill screw clamps rust out and literally drop off. Not good. Replaced all of them about a year ago. Was a major pain but worth it. The community may have other ideas re elbow to use. Edit: You also need to buy two threaded pipes to insert each end of the galvanized elbow to provide a "barb" for the exhaust hose. As I recall these threaded pipes are readily available also.

WRT the emergency rudder. On my boat is bungie corded to the after bulkhead of the galley inside the lazarette up high and easy to miss if you are not looking for it. Probably a good idea to rig the thing and verify it fits and works and the access panel on the weather deck isn't stuck shut. Don't ask how I know about the latter. As noted in a previous post, it is not impressive to look at, definitely emergency only.

Re transom access. Stbd side through the aft cabin removable panel on aft cabin bulkhead, port side through the laz. Pic looks like you took it from the port side so you've been spelunking. I have an internal AP back there so I take my phone so I can call 911 if I get trapped . It is really tight.

RE the aft cabin removable panel, I have been in and out of the transom so many times I got tired of the screws in that access panel. I replaced with with several patches of Velcro to hold the panel to the transom bulkhead so it is super easy to get back there quickly for maintenance or emergency access. It is also very secure and has never given me any trouble set up this way.

[mike cunningham]

I also really like your thumbnail. I forgot how cozy our cabins look.