How long does rudder packing last?
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv. You should not have to remove anything but the packing nut to repack it. If a rudder stuffing box is packed correctly it should last for decades with occasional tightenings.
Can you repack rudder in water?
No problem doing it in the water; just have the rings cut before you start, and remove ALL of the old packing. I’ve repacked both rudder and shaft logs in the water; yes, some water comes in.
What is a rudder packing?
Most rudder ports are nothing more than traditional bronze stuffing boxes mounted in a vertical position over the boat’s rudder post. They use a simple packing nut to compress packing material around the shaft. Once the packing nut is adjusted, the locking nut is tightened to prevent the packing nut from coming loose.
How do you tighten a rudder stuffing box?
Tighten the gland nut to the packing and give it another quarter or so turn into the packing. Articulate the rudders to their full extent left and right several times and re tighten the gland. Repeat moving the rudder and tightening until no leakage then tighten the lock nut up to jamb the gland nut.
Can you repack a stuffing box with the boat in the water?
Although it’s possible to change the packing with the boat in the water, we recommend against that. Do it with the boat on the hard, especially if this is your first time.
How does a stuffing box work?
A stuffing box—also called a stuffing gland, packing gland or packing box—forms a seal between the prop shaft and the hole in the hull through which the shaft passes while allowing the shaft to turn freely. It consists of a threaded sleeve and a hollow nut, through which the prop shaft passes.
How tight should packing nut be?
Be careful not to overtighten the packing nut; it should be just tight enough to stop leaking around the stem. If too tight, the handle will be hard to turn; if too loose, it will allow water to leak out around the stem.
How to improve the performance of a Catalina 30?
If being seen at night is a priority, install a pulpit-mounted combination running light, as is used in current production models of the Catalina 30. a little more speed. The rather large gap between the skeg and rudder should be filled in with fairing flaps to reduce crossflow.
What kind of rig does a Catalina 30 have?
Rig The rig of the Catalina 30 is decidely old fashioned, with its untapered mast tube, wooden spreaders, and unanodized mast and boom. Mast and boom should be painted, both to reduce surface oxidation and improve appearance.
How many hull numbers are there on a Catalina 30?
The owners responding own boats that run the gamut of the production history of the Catalina 30, from hull number 2 to hull numbers well over 3,000! Here, then are the suggestions of Catalina 30 owners for the improvement of the world’s most popular 30-footer. Not all will be applicable to any particular hull.
Why does my Catalina 30 have a weather helm?
The boat quickly develops weather helm as it heels, a not uncommon trait of wide boats such as the Catalina 30. Even sailing upright on a broad reach, there is a fair amount of weather helm.