Rudder shaft sealing principle on a Cavalier 33

[Kwadrant]

Hello fellow boaters,

Today i took out the starboard rudderblade with shaft for maintenance (its bended)And i noticed the sealing system. What i know is a system that works with grease cord which you lay in circles inside the seal nut.

The nut on my CC (see picture) has as it looks a layer of some sort of sealant ?! Can anyone explain me how the renew proces works? What am i looking at inside this nut. Could be that there is no cord at all?









I also want to replace the bolts of the rudder assy with stainless steel ones. (see below) does anyone know their correct size?




Thanks for answering!

[Kwadrant]

No experts here who know this????

[runabout36]

Okay, I'll take a stab at this since I just did this on a 25' CC. I believe it is a standard CC rudder stuffing box. Use the packing cord, alternate the joints of each piece opposite each other. What size and how many rings, you'll have to determine. I don't know what the goop is in the picture, it could be the wax from the packing or something somebody added. Just rely on the packing cord which I believe today is teflon coated. Remember this is not a shaft that is spinning. Don't be concerned about getting it to tight. These can be tightened down tight, they should not leak at all. As for the bolts, why do you think you need to replace them. Are they showing alot of corrosion? If you do feel the need to replace, I would not use stainless steel below the waterline. Stick with silicon bronze. Hope this helps.

Tom

[Kwadrant]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for answering, im not looking to replace these, im just curious if i should replace the cords as i have no clue how long they have been inside. But as said im not sure if there is a cord inside, looks solid with a waxed substance.... So im game to put a screw driver in them to see if there is cord?

[ppeters48]

Here is a link that might help
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box&page=3
Good Luck
Phil

[Kwadrant]

Here is a link that might help
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box&page=3
Good Luck
Phil

Thanks Phil! That made me certain

[Captbob626]

Ditto. I would notuse ss below water line stay with silicone bronze especially in salt water.

[Doug P]

Thanks Phil, Good Info

[jfrprops]

Gosh Phil that is a GREAT site you posted the info from...what is the story on them?

are there more pages of hints on other topics?

Great photos and explanation is super detailed...great stuff. !!

John in Va.

[ppeters48]

Can't remember where I got it, just in my stash of info
Phil