Rudder Packing

[Rickross]

My 2005 SunDancer is currently under winter shrink wrap. As soon as they open the marina my plan is to change the leaking rudder packing. I want to have the packing in hand but not sure of the rudder shaft diameter. I think it's 1.5". Does anybody know for sure what the shaft diameter is?

Thanks

 

[dtfeld]

Not sure if your trying to determine how much material (length) or the size packing required.

I referenced my Parts Manual and I have a part number of 1217199 for the rudder. Shows a 1.5" post. If you don't have it, see if you can download off the Sea Ray site and verify.

When I did mine, I measured the gap between tube and shaft and got 1/4" I drove over to West marine and they have it on the shelf in 2' lengths with sizes from 1/8' -5/8' in 1/8" increments. Mine required 4 sections and the 2' length was enough plus a little extra. While mine is a 410, I would think the rudders and packing are very similar.

This is what I purchased https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west...fe-flax-shaft-packing--P000136087?recordNum=1

 

[Tantalus]

Both ours are slightly leaking but manageable. Mechanic is saying he can replace the packing while in the water, anyone done this before while still in the water? I know the starboard side has difficult access as far as getting a good turn to pack down.

 

[The Bill Collector]

Both ours are slightly leaking but manageable. Mechanic is saying he can replace the packing while in the water, anyone done this before while still in the water? I know the starboard side has difficult access as far as getting a good turn to pack down.

I have been wrong many times but you have to remove both nuts and drop the rudder out to clean up the old packing. I just did mine last year on the hard. I don't know how this could be done in the water...

 

[JVM225]

Not sure if West Marine is open, but here is another online resource:

https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1&id=6717766

 

[ASH]

You need to be more worried about the thickness. I just did my 2005 420 and the rudder was wrapped 4 times with 1/4 inch. I am on a lift so no worries about water. I did not see any reason the rudder would need dropped to clean. The old packing had left some wax residual that just wiped off. I am a fresh water boater so maybe a salty boat needs more attention. I am not sure. It is an easy job. Be sure to stagger your seems and also cut the packing at a 45 angle where they meet when replacing.

 

[Golfman25]

You’re better off on land, but can do it in the water. You’ll need to be prepared - properly cut to length packing, right size, all needed tools handy, etc. WD 40 and the packing removal tool will help get the old out. Work fast.

 

[dtfeld]

I did mine in the water. I was surprised at how little water came in the boat. Packing removal tool for sure!! There about $5.

I bought a 24" aluminum pipe wrench from Harbor Freight ($30). Its tight to get to the nut, but this will break them free.

https://www.harborfreight.com/24-in...ID5O_LgHQO3lMQ2QOQ_DN6hAleyr8sAxoCwUMQAvD_BwE

 

[mquiet]

You can easily do in the water. 1) you need to figure out the thickness of the packing material. 2) measure around shaft and add angles so both ends will overlap. 3) only raise packing nut up and see if you can add one wrap of the ne packing material and then screw back down, or 4) remove old packing with a pick and then add two wraps of new packing and offset the angled cut ends so they do not line up on top of one another. Very little water will enter the boat. Super easy to do. I would say a 3 out of 10 on the DIY sacale.

 

[Rickross]

Great information, thanks for the replies!

 

[Tantalus]

Thanks all, appreciated, key is, have everything ready.