Packing flax

tmsc · Post by **tmsc** » May 22nd, '09, 11:24

Does anyone know what size packing flax is used for the rudder stuffing box on the CD33. Thanks.

Zeida Cecilia-Mendez · Post by **Zeida Cecilia-Mendez** » May 22nd, '09, 12:54

Lee..... 1/4" packing. I use the Gortex packing on my 33.

Jeff Barnes · Post by **Jeff Barnes** » May 24th, '09, 20:15

Lee,

I switched to the Gortex packing this year and so far I can't say enough good things about it. The pan under my Perkins has never been so dry.

Jeff

tmsc · Post by **tmsc** » May 28th, '09, 13:56

Thanks for the info. I usually use the teflon packing. I will check the Gortex packing out.

Maine Sail · Post by **Maine Sail** » May 28th, '09, 14:39

As much as I love Gore GFO I will not use it on my rudder and instead use natural flax with teflon.

The ABYC warns against the use of graphite impregnated stuffing, even in prop shafts, but if allowed to drip some and you run the motor enough galvanic issues & crevice corrosion should not be an issue. In a rudder box however it does not spin and needs to be drip free. This could lead to accelerated galvanic issues and crevice corrosion between the graphite and stainless. Because the graphite sits higher on the galvanic scale the stainless rudder shaft could become the anode..

Here's a photo of what is happening in someGore GFO installations where the owner has made it drip free even though you should not.