Correct size GFO (Gore-Tex) fiber packing for rudder shafts.

[jrbrein]

Our 1981 43' DCFB needs to have both rudder shafts re-packed.

My Hatteras manual specifies 1/2" flax packing and the diagram shows 3 rings. I know I will probably need more than that and staggered joints 90 degrees apart.

I plan to use 1/2" GFO. I just want to verify that others have used 1/2". It just seemed odd to me that on the same diagram, they specify 3/8" packing for the stuffing box with a 1.75 inch shaft.

Thanks!!


Jon

 

[Toolsntoys]

I just did mine on my 53. 2 inch shafts. I called sams and ordered the bearing and packing. The 1/2 they sent me I couldn't make it work. It was way to tight to make work I got 3/8 from west marine and while it still fit tight I was able to get the shaft and the screw cap to come together to thread. I used four rings. The other thing was that the 1/2 was round while the 3/8 was square. I hope I won't have issues I feel it was packed tight so I should have a problem

 

[MikeP]

Hmmm... 1/2" Gore is what I use in our 1980 53MY/2" shafts. But maybe there was a change in the stuffing box internal dimensions at some point in production.

 

[jrbrein]

Mike,

What size packing are you using for your rudder shafts? Do you think that your rudder shafts on your 53' are the same size as my 43' DC?

The original specs call for 1/2" packing for rudder shafts.

Sorry to belabor this issue!


Jon

 

[MikeP]

Jon, I'm sorry but I don't know if the rudder/shaft packing on the 53 would be the same as the packing used on the 43. Did you check around the boat in the various cabinets/storage areas or in the engine and rudder areas? Sometimes there will be a roll or some spare lengths of packing that was used by the previous owner laying around. There was a 20+ ft roll of flax packing on our boat when we bought it! I never used any of it, switching over to Gore packing but it told me what size to use!

If you have the original manual/Hatteras paperwork that came with the boat, it gives the size for the packing. FWIW, if you don't have the original paperwork, you can obtain a copy of it for your boat from Hatteras and it is one of the best references you can have. It tells you exactly what was on YOUR specific boat when it left Hatteras and includes instructions for all equipment, line drawings, electrical schematics, blueprints, capacities, etc, etc, etc. It's well worth the money - used to be 75 bucks though it may be higher nowadays...

 

[jrbrein]

Thanks Mike!

Jon

 

[Walter P]

I've had the same issues with Gore-tex and other flax materials being too tight to fit. A few blows (light) with a hammer made it more like a rectangle and it fit well. After you snug it all up it takes the proper shape. Do not over tighten the unit. Better to have a slight leak at first then make your adjustments very gradually otherwise it won't get any water and it will overheat.

Walt

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

1/2" for me as well. Tough to start, but that's expected. My plans call for four rings.

 

[jrbrein]

Thank you for your responses!

Jon