Catalina 30 Rudder Post Stuffing Box/Packing Gland

[Dave]

Need instructions on how to change the packing in the C-30's rudder post stuffing box. What's the procedure? What size flax rope is required to do the job?Thanks for the help.

 

[Don Magdall]

Rudder stuffing box

I don't know the answer but I think that I need to change mine as well. While motoring, I get a gallon or so an hour of water coming in through the rudder post and running down into the bilge. It doesn't happen when under sail though.

 

[Fred]

Rudder stuffing box

Just did this on my 1986 C30. Get access by removing the panel at the rear of the quarterberth and remove the 3 bolts holding the upper metal ring in place on the rudder. Pull this up the rudder shaft to expose the flax and remove with a sharp knife or awl. What came out of mine was a single ring of 5/8" flax that fit exactly the space available. Trouble was, even with a new 5/8" teflon flax, there was very little adjustment. I then installed two rings of 1/4" (joints opposite each other of course) and then compressed these into place. Much better fit - and really easy to do.