Packing gland

[Leo]

Time to order some packing. Anyone remember how many rings it takes 3 or 4? And I think it's 1/4 inch if I remember right.

Happy Holidays!

[Bay Sailor]

Leo,

I did mine 3 months ago using the Teflon type, 1/4", and as I recall it was 3 wraps although I cannot swear to that.

I have only driven the boat for a couple of hours since then but I did leave things loose enough to get a drip every 10 seconds or so, which is what the seller of the boat said he has always done. You might want to take a look at the following, if you have not seen it.
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box

Best wishes for a great holiday and new year.

Mark

[Leo]

I thought I used 3 wraps but it has been awhile since it was last done. I want to order enough to have some extra around. I think I'll try the gore drip less stuff.

Has anyone ever done the rudder shaft? and can it be done in the water?

Thanks,

Lennie

[BlameItOnBuffett]

I thought I had rainwater somehow coming into the stern area of the boat. Then one day I noticed the seepage around the rudder packing. I spoke to our local yard that I know and trust, and they confirmed that the gland was leeking, and that it had been tightened already to the point of being bottomed out. They also said that it really had to be done while out of the water. However, that may have been due to the mechanic wanting to stay reasonably dry. If you can handle the fountain, it might be possible to do it in water. I chose to have it redone during the bottom painting.

[wedelstein]

My packing is 3/16 inch. You might want to double check yours. I normally get three wraps in. Get as much as it will take. If 4 will fit then why not.

[Leo]

Jim,

do you recall what size packing was used in the rudder shaft?

Leo

[Bay Sailor]

Just be sure that when you carefully pack the wraps that you don't have too few threads left to tighten the nut without compressing the wraps to the point where they won't allow a very slow drip.

When I did mine I noticed that my shaft was somewhat rusty and a bit pitted. I took a few minutes with 120 emery cloth to make it smooth where the packing would be around it. It felt great to see at least a few inches of something shiny down there, you know.

I may have already given this but it'll be good for someone else too. http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box

I was out of the water when I did mine which let me practice by doing everything three times and so it worked out well.    

Mark