replace stuffing while in the water
I also have a 78 hunter 30. Just put it back in the water. Did the bottom and wanted to replace the stuffing also. Elected not to as the clearance is so close on these thats to me it seems almost impossible to pick out the old stuff. The experts at the marina said it would be easiler just to pull the shaft. I assume you have already tighten up the packing nut as far as it will go. That being the case I would back it all the way off and put a few more pieces of stuffing around the staff and tighten it down.
I also have a 78 hunter 30. Just put it back in the water. Did the bottom and wanted to replace the stuffing also. Elected not to as the clearance is so close on these thats to me it seems almost impossible to pick out the old stuff. The experts at the marina said it would be easiler just to pull the shaft. I assume you have already tighten up the packing nut as far as it will go. That being the case I would back it all the way off and put a few more pieces of stuffing around the staff and tighten it down.