Rudder Post Stuffing Box

[captrob]

<div>Does anyone know what size packing is used for the stuffing box
on the rudder post - is it 3/8" or 1/2"? What kind of wrench
have you found to most effective in adjusting the packing nut?Thanks,
Vic C.
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[dhoneycutt]

It is either 1/2 or 5/8 packing, again I can't measure because boat is 60 miles away. I use a large channel lock pliers to tighten,also use them with a pipe wrench for the stuffing box. Don't over pack the post as there are only a few threads in contact, at least on mine thats the case.

 

[captrob]

<div>Thanks Dick.The "experts" down here advised it was 3/8". I didn't think so but figured they knew more than I. My measurements indicated 1/2 but thought they might be right and that 3/8 would compress to fit. It didn't and it leaks like a shive.I'll track down some 1/2".Vic C.
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[lenz]

I've run into boats with horror stories concerning "losing a rudder." What kind of preventive maintenance should be done to avoid this ever happening?? Thanks.

 

[jhask]

<div>Victor, I have delayed responding to your query because I was sure that I had that information somewhere aboard. Not so. We sent through several iterations a few years ago looking for the right size packing. As bestmy wife and I can rmember, 5/8 turned out to be the right one. I think we might have gotten that size information from Morgan but my memory is fuzzy. In any event it is time to replace it again and I found a packing gland wrench a couple of months ago in a boat store somewhere that looks like one o f those plumbing wrenches with sliding jaws they sell for large nuts. This one has a short handle. Haven't tried it yet. I've been using a very large Stilson that I have at home but that is not practical to carry on cruise. Best wishes, Dick
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