I know that their have been threads posted in the past about the procedure for removing and replacing the packing that goes around the rudder shaft on the Catalina 30, but I never saved those! I recall that it was not a difficult job; however, the biggest issue is the right packing size and amount. I would appreciate any feedback on procedure, packing type, size and quantity for a 1988 Mark II Catalina 30. Is their a preferred brand or type of packing well suited to the Cat 30? Thank you Bob 88 Cat 30
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We don't have packing around the rudder post
We also have a 1988 Catalina MKII. However, there is no packing around the rudder post (at least that's the case on our boat and friends' boats that are of the same vintage). Our rudder simply turns inside a fiberglass "tube." There is no packing, packing gland, bearing or anything else. Perhaps yours is somehow different. I know Catalina has used rudder packing glands on other models and on 30s of different vintages. Maybe we have an unusual configuration? I have had the rudder completely out of the boat twice and taken the entire assembly completely apart without seeing any sort of packing or packing gland. Do you know if someone added a packing gland to your boat at some time? If you meant the packing gland around the prop shaft, it's 3/16 (done that a few times too). I like to remove it with dental picks and/or a small hemostat type of plier. Best, Gary
We also have a 1988 Catalina MKII. However, there is no packing around the rudder post (at least that's the case on our boat and friends' boats that are of the same vintage). Our rudder simply turns inside a fiberglass "tube." There is no packing, packing gland, bearing or anything else. Perhaps yours is somehow different. I know Catalina has used rudder packing glands on other models and on 30s of different vintages. Maybe we have an unusual configuration? I have had the rudder completely out of the boat twice and taken the entire assembly completely apart without seeing any sort of packing or packing gland. Do you know if someone added a packing gland to your boat at some time? If you meant the packing gland around the prop shaft, it's 3/16 (done that a few times too). I like to remove it with dental picks and/or a small hemostat type of plier. Best, Gary
When to replace?
How do you know that a rudder post packing needs replacing? I notice a slight amount of play at the top of the rudder post (visible from the cockpit), but I'm not sure it's a problem. Thanks!
How do you know that a rudder post packing needs replacing? I notice a slight amount of play at the top of the rudder post (visible from the cockpit), but I'm not sure it's a problem. Thanks!
loose ring on rudder post
This may be a little of packing gland topic but I noticed on our 89 Catalina 30 there is a ring just above the rudder that is loose. I can slide is around and lift it a little. I can also lift the rudder about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch. Does this have to do with the packing gland ? Is this common ? Any info would be great or leads on where to find more info would be great. Thanks CM
This may be a little of packing gland topic but I noticed on our 89 Catalina 30 there is a ring just above the rudder that is loose. I can slide is around and lift it a little. I can also lift the rudder about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch. Does this have to do with the packing gland ? Is this common ? Any info would be great or leads on where to find more info would be great. Thanks CM
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