Rudder Packing Replacement

[Ken Jones-]

Has anyone performed this task on their boat? Mine seems impossible to do with out extreame work and removal of the steering quadrant.

Albatross-Cape Dory 33



kjdory@aol.com

[Larry DeMers]

It is a difficult job, unless you are gifted with "smallness" of stature. We did this on our Cd30, well, more accurately, Jan did it with my help and assistance. I cannot spend more than a few seconds upside down due to a physical problem with my esophagus..it don't work so great no more..so Jan slipped under the cockpit reluctantly, and we worked together with her handling the wrench placement while I did the muscle work from off to the side. You can raise the adjustment cap, but only a few inches on the Cd30..maybe more on your boat, as you have more room undoubtedly. We used a mess of different tools to try and remove the old flax..it was a dried out birdsnest of useless packing..original for sure. The best tool was a 1/8in. screwdriver that was bent in a curve and then sharpened into a point to pick the old stuff out with.
We replaced the flax with one layer of teflon impregnated packing, then we spooned in globs of teflon lube (the green goop) and then added the last layer of teflon impregnated packing. Then I screwed down the cap, and tightened it about 3 -5 turns and then went out to try it. It is dry, smooth and it works...hopefully for another 5 years anyway.

Now how to adjust it for minimum abrasion to the shaft..I have no ideas on that one. Since the adjustment is so difficult to make, one is really tempted to leave it once done.

Hope this helps.

Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 Lake Superior

Has anyone performed this task on their boat? Mine seems impossible to do with out extreame work and removal of the steering quadrant.

Albatross-Cape Dory 33

demers@sgi.com