Rudder packing - ratio to shaft size (4-1) ?

E

Ed_Mark

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Jul 27, 2020
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34146
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Hope this finds you all healthy and the families keeping the PMA ! Our 1986 41' Viking the Assurance apparently needs to replace the packing in both rudders. We've had her 3 years and I've been able to adjust each year at splash for the dripping but now the nut cannot travel down any farther so while she's on the hard my question is - what is the normal ratio of rudder shaft to packing material width. I've read 4 to 1, so a 1 inch shaft has a 1/4 gap around it to fill with 1/4" packing. I've read to remove, clean and then replace with 2 layers of packing. Also to have the cut line 180 degrees opposite the other layer.

If I can purchase the correct material before taking her all apart to measure the space and then return would be great. I was hoping to make it a one day effort as it isn't a easy space to get into over and over again.....

Is the the 4 to 1 ratio a safe estimate?
What would be the recommendation for packing material? This old girl does not have drip-less rudder seals. I've watched a number of You-tube videos so I suspect I can get this done on the hard by myself - any tips? do you add any vaseline or white grease to the packing? is it okay to use some fine sand paper fit he packing on the shaft doesn't come off easy? Regarding the cut line - should it always be "squared off" or on a "90 degree angle" overlapping? Has anyone used "Awesome" cleaner to remove rubbery remnants of material on stainless before?

Appreciate any insights before I become Houdini again and contort myself into a space normal people don't go......LOL - hope to see the deep blue this year! Kindly, Ed & Pam
 
Never heard of a ratio. The size depends on the gap between the shaft and the tube. People use drill bits to measure. three rings is common for prop shafts. Don't see why rudders would be different.
 
Not sure about any ratios. If you want to make it a single day, bring a few different sizes. Any packing will work on rudders, but I use the gore gfo on my shafts. https://www.emarineinc.com/categories/GFO-Marine-Shaft-Packing

To get it out you need a packing removal tool -- a thin corkscrew type thing. Spray the packing with WD-40 to soften in up. It will also act as a cleaner. Insert the tool and pull. Bring something the same dia as your rudder shaft so you can pre-cut the packing. Insert and tighten the nut. If you use the GFO, you don't have to tighten down too much. I do my shaft logs with my hand. Good luck.
 
dental also picks work to remove old packing
 
I agree, bring a set of dental picks. Worked for me.
 
Do yourself a favor and get a cork screw tipped packing remover tool (pick). You screw the tip into the old packing rings individually and pull the old rings out one at a time. Measure your packing size with drill bits inserted into the packing gland kind of like a feeler gauge. The drill bit that is snug is the correct packing size. I second GFO packing. Will probably last longer in the rudders than you own the boat.
 
Gentlemen - thank you all for the great insights and advice. I've my list of items to confirm once the blizzard leaves the coast. Now if I can just convince my 6'2" mate its something important for him to learn also and he should give this old guy a break and fit his butt down there.

As always the insights and information on this site is wonderful - thank you! Ed / Pam "Assurance"
 
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