[Public-List] Rudder Stuffing Box

Gordon Laco mainstay at csolve.net
Sat Jun 22 05:04:53 PDT 2024 

A friend of ours who works on marine engines spent over 24 hours trapped in an Alberg 30’s cockpit locker.  The lid fell while he was in there, and the hasp nicely flipped over onto the eye and there he was locked in.   He lived alone so the hue and cry looking for him didn’t get going till the next day when he didn’t turn up at another job he was scheduled to start.  


Gordon Laco
Surprise 426


> On Jun 21, 2024, at 6:52 PM, Mike Lehman via Public-List <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> 
> Been there, done that many times...last time was in the port sail
> locker...I started thinking that I was going to celebrate my next birthday
> there which was ONLY 7 months away.
> On Fri, Jun 21, 2024, 6:42 PM John Irving via Public-List <
> public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
> 
>> I agree, getting out is definitely the worst.  I made it out though Judy
>> last week.  For a while I was really wishing I had my cell phone, not that
>> I could have reached it!  We A30 owners are a tough bunch!
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
>> 
>> 
>> On Friday, June 21, 2024, 2:16 PM, David A. Bardsley via Public-List <
>> public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>> 
>>  I'm a glutton for punishment and squeezed my 50yo 6'1" 230lbs body into
>>  the stern lazarette to repack the rudder stuffing box, and remove the
>>  deck hardware for deck core repairs.  Once you're in, the work goes
>>  easily enough.  The key is thoroughly plan the work in advance to
>>  minimize the number of excursions in and out.
>>  First time getting in, then out, is the hardest.  There is a technique
>>  to reorienting oneself from upright to on your side, and vice versa.  I
>>  recognize this approach isn't for everyone; it's a given that you must
>>  not be claustrophobic, and have a certain degree of flexibility.
>>  I recognize this technique is not for everyone, but it served me well.
>>  YMMV
>>  Dave
>>  Ginseng #574
>> 
>>  On Jun 21, 2024 13:00, John Irving via Public-List
>>  <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>> 
>>    Not on a liner boat, but I was finally able to access it through the
>>    stern hatch but had some difficulty getting back out!
>> 
>>    Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
>> 
>>    On Friday, June 21, 2024, 11:01 AM, Clay Pass via Public-List
>>    <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>> 
>>    Sounds like most are referring to access to rear engine and
>>    propeller stuffing box but rudder box is further aft and accessed
>>    through port locker.
>> 
>>    Clay
>> 
>>> On Jun 21, 2024, at 10:48 AM, Clay Pass <clay.q.pass at gmail.com>
>>    wrote:
>>> 
>>> Go into the port side locker and cut an access hole or remove
>>    some of the lower inside panel to gain access. I used a plumbing
>>    adjustable spanner wrench to tighten.
>>> 
>>> Clay
>>> 
>>>> On Jun 20, 2024, at 7:10 PM, Glenn Brooks via Public-List
>>    <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Good job! I did the same thing, except needed to replace the
>>    entire floor due to some water logged soft spots. The hatch gave me
>>    complete access to the back of the engine and hull right back to the
>>    lazerrete.  My 60 yo iron and rubber hose exhaust system was rotted
>>    and ready to fail, shift cables need replacing the next season, and
>>    rudder stuffing box needed new packing. Easy peasy working thru the
>>    hatch.
>>>> 
>>>> Also relocated the battery bank under the floor, so moved it out
>>    of the bilge and onto a new shelf above waterline. Very nice to know
>>    I wouldn’t  short out my electrical system with high water in the
>>    bilge.  Best upgrade I ever did on the boat.
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>> 
>>>>>> On Jun 20, 2024, at 3:48 PM, John Johnston via Public-List
>>    <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> I had the same issue and ended up cutting an appropriately 18x
>>    21” opening, reframed the cockpit floor accordingly and installed a
>>    hatch that gives me access to the stuffing box and also the rear of
>>    my Westerbeke diesel. No regrets-
>>>>> Sent from my iPad
>>>>> 
>>>>>>> On Jun 20, 2024, at 4:47 PM, Jeff Randall via Public-List
>>    <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Sorry.  After doing poorly executed hot boat yoga and saying
>>    words that earned me soap, I finally resorted to cutting a working
>>    port in the cockpit floor.  Yes water can invade the bilge in green
>>    seas but it is highly unlikely.  I can now adjust the reversing gear
>>    while actually seeing into the box and adjust the stuffing box any
>>    damn time I want.  Many would say that floor integrity is
>>    compromised.  Not sure.  Good luck
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Jeff Randall. Yankee Star 296
>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>> 
>>>>>>>> On Jun 20, 2024, at 16:38, John Irving via Public-List
>>    <public-list at lists.alberg30.org> wrote:
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> Does anyone have suggestion on how to tighten the rudder
>>    stuffing box on a 1979 A30 liner boat?  On wooden boats we didn’t
>>    want to haul we’d dive down with handfuls of sawdust for leaks that
>>    would get sucked in and swell up and stop the leak.  I’m not sure
>>    about a stuffing box though.
>>>>>>> John Irving
>>>>>>> Scotch Bonnet
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> 
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