[Public-List] Rudder post stuffing box

[Mike Lehman]

Bernard
I installed the 'moldable dripless packing' many years ago that is described 
in the link that George posted. The rudder stuffing box (newer boats only) 
is above the water line so no problem changing it with the boat in the 
water, except for access to that area of the boat. The dripless packing is 
rated for 3200 RPM, so you can tighten it down tight so no water enters. It 
changes the stuffing box from a water-lubricated bearing to a Teflon/space 
age stuff bearing. On the propeller shaft I used the same stuff but 
tightened it one flat at a time until there was no drip while motoring. I 
have not had to adjust either the rudder or propeller stuffing box in 15 
years. I check it frequently a place my hand on it after motoring for any 
distance to be sure that it is not hot.

-----Original Message----- 
From: George Dinwiddie
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 8:40 PM
To: Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all
Subject: Re: [Public-List] Rudder post stuffing box

Bernard,

On 5/22/12 4:33 PM, The Rochets wrote:
> I haven't repacked my rudder stuffing box yet, but feel that I should be 
> doing so.
>
> Any suggestions about the best packing material?

Same as for the shaft stuffing box. See
http://alberg30.org/maintenance/MechanicalPropulsion/StuffingBox/

> Also, I have wheel steering and the steering mechanism attachment on
> the rudder post is right on top of the stuffing box, which makes it
> quite awkward to access. Does anybody with wheel steering have any
> advice about the best way to deal with this?

I don't know how wheel steering affects it, but
http://alberg30.org/maintenance/Steering/AccessToStuffingBox/ gives an
idea for access from the port locker.

> Can repacking the rudder stuffing box be done while the boat is in
> the water?

No problem, there. The rudder stuffing box is generally just above the
water line.

> As you can tell, I am a bit insecure about this and any advice will
> be greatly appreciated.

It's really pretty easy.

  - George

-- 
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   When I remember bygone days                         George Dinwiddie
   I think how evening follows morn;            gdinwiddie at alberg30.org
   So many I loved were not yet dead,           http://www.Alberg30.org
   So many I love were not yet born.                          also see:
                'The Middle' by Ogden Nash     http://idiacomputing.com
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