Rudder shaft packing

[sailnoproblem]

I want to replace the shaft packing on my Tartan 34C. (rudder) I have a tiller, was gonna change to wheel but love the feel and the room I have at anchor in the cockpit.
I have no idea how to do this project. Hell I don't know if there is packing. Has anyone ever tackled this project?
Merry Christmas to all.

 

[Ted]

I don't know about your specific boat but many manufacturers used grease to seal the rudder shaft. Look at your rudder shaft tube and see if you can locate a grease cup or zerk fitting. If either one of those are present, it will indicate how your rudder shaft is sealed. If there is a grease cup, unscrew the cap and load it with waterproof grease and tighten the cover back on. This will force grease into the space between the rudder shaft and support tube. If you have a zerk fitting, attach a grease gun to it and pump some more grease into it.

 

[sailnoproblem]

I don't know about your specific boat but many manufacturers used grease to seal the rudder shaft. Look at your rudder shaft tube and see if you can locate a grease cup or zerk fitting. If either one of those are present, it will indicate how your rudder shaft is sealed. If there is a grease cup, unscrew the cap and load it with waterproof grease and tighten the cover back on. This will force grease into the space between the rudder shaft and support tube. If you have a zerk fitting, attach a grease gun to it and pump some more grease into it.

Thanks for the information. I'll check it out.
Regards