Have any of you guys ever repacked the rudder stuffing boxes with the boat in the water? Can it be done if I'm only adding material?
James 37
Welcome to the Hatteras Owners Forum & Gallery. Sign Up or Login
+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 10 of 23
Thread: rudder shaft packing
-
03-25-2011 05:24 PM #1Registered Member
- Join Date
- Oct 2009
- Posts
- 17
rudder shaft packing
-
Re: rudder shaft packing
Good question. Mine are leaking a little. Actually alot when I got back off a little day cruise. My neighbor commented that my aft bildge was running a couple times per day. Now, they arent leaking, just weeping. I'm wondering if thats normal to leak alot then stop a few days later. Well, maybe mine needs packing too.
Pate B.
1985 43' MY "Blue Bayou"
Southport, NC
-
03-25-2011 05:47 PM #3Registered Member
- Join Date
- Oct 2009
- Posts
- 17
Re: rudder shaft packing
I was led to believe it was possible. Do a search on rudder packing and you'll see what I saw.
-
03-25-2011 05:57 PM #4Senior Member
- Join Date
- Nov 2009
- Posts
- 96
Re: rudder shaft packing
In the Bahamas once with my bilge pumps starting to work a little more than normal in my then 43 hatt. Traced water source to the port rudder and the packing was changed while in the water. Should know what you are doing or get help. Be sure your bilge pumps are in good working.
-
Re: rudder shaft packing
Seems like it would be easier (less water rushing in) than doing prop shafts in the water though I don't know that for sure since I've never done rudders. I've pulled all old material/installed new packing in the prop stuffing boxes in the water on our 53MY several times.
Mike P
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; Kent Island MD; San Antonio TX
1980 53MY "Brigadoon"
-
03-25-2011 06:41 PM #6Senior Member
- Join Date
- Sep 2005
- Posts
- 558
Re: rudder shaft packing
You can do it either way. If there's enough room after backing off the packing nut and collar, you can sometimes add a ring or maybe even two. You can also pull out the old packing and put in new but it can look pretty scary with all that water rushing in.
Either way, it's best to cut your packing rings prior to backing off the nut to avoid having to watch the flood for a prolong period of time.
Will
-
03-25-2011 06:43 PM #7Senior Member
- Join Date
- Apr 2005
- Posts
- 123
Re: rudder shaft packing
Did both rudders 2 months ago 58 MY in the water, precut the stuffing 2 per side, had big wrench, came with boat, jig sawed access, 2 hours, no leaks, thanks to all here.
Stewart
-
03-25-2011 07:24 PM #8
Re: rudder shaft packing
I cant remember repacking a stuffing box out of the water so I think it can be done. Usually adding a ring is all it takes.
Scott
41C117 "Hattatude"
Port Canaveral Florida.
Marine Electronics and Electrical Products Distributor.
-
03-25-2011 07:35 PM #9Senior Member
- Join Date
- Apr 2010
- Posts
- 993
-
03-25-2011 07:59 PM #10Senior Member
- Join Date
- Apr 2005
- Posts
- 3,535
Re: rudder shaft packing
I also need to do mine on my '79 43C. Anybody know what size packing is required, as well as what length to cut them to in order to make a complete circle? What is the recommended material these days? I haven't done this job in about 15 years, and that was on my 32' wooden Chris Craft with much smaller hardware.
Everyone should believe in something - I believe I will go fishing - Henry David Thoreau