Rudder shaft packing size

I read TRBenj said there was no way to tell what size the rudder or drive shaft packing was on an older boat...just double checking. Anybody know what's best for the 95?

Also, looking at the rudder it seems to me that removing the tank will make the job a lot easier for me. Has anyone repacked the rudder shaft without removing the tank? Did you cuss a lot, or did it go OK?

Thanks! For some reason I always thought you were Tim, but saw Greg when I clicked on your boat. I always appreciate your help.

Tim, the distance between the edge of the rudder shaft hole and the inside of the nut is 1/4 inch. So I need 1/4 packing?

95 SN shaft packing is 1/4". I got two pieces in and it worked great. Not sure about rudder but it does seem hard to get to with the tank in place.
Mark

Dude, it sounds like you need the 1/4" packing.

Some rudder ports came with zerks, but they also had o-rings to hold the grease in. If yours isnt one of these, I would not grease it. Ive never greased any of my packing glands.

Did you get two pieces in the prop shaft? Also, was it hard getting to the rudder with that thing sticking down from the gas tank in the way?

Hey guys, I've been reading through your posts on rudder maintenance. I purchased a poorly maintained 1990 Ski Nautique and I'm concerned about the rudder. the steering is silky smooth when on trailer (so I'm guessing cable is good)however the rudder has some wobbly play in it if I grab it from underside of trailer. When in water and under power it is quite hard to steer. I'm guessing I should be doing the grease / packing thing? ok, No laughing here but What is packing? Is this an OEM part I need from dealer or is this an auto parts store thing?
It appears top bolt allows steering arm to come off top then there are two large bolts that appear to tighten the rudder and then lock the nut at desired location. If I take these off I'm guessing I need a partner to catch rudder dropping out of hull onto garage floor? How much pressure /torque do you tighten large rudder nut on re installation before lock nut is tightened?
Thanks for the help.
Mike

The bottom line - I highly recommend installing a grease zerk on the rudder shaft!



I had fairly stiff steering on my 1989 Ski (550hours) - especially when turning to the right. When the boat wasn't under load the steering was fairly easy, but not pinky-finger easy. I have learned that stiff steering to the right is typical with these boats because the rudder is working against the prop torque.



The general consensus is that tight steering is due to a worn steering cable. This may be true in many cases, but in my case all I needed was a grease zerk on the rudder shaft housing. Now the steering on my boat is smooth as butter - in both directions.



There wasn't much/any grunge on my rudder shaft, and the packing looked marginal. I obviously cleaned the shaft and replaced the packing rope (with GFO rope).



Anyhow, if your steering is stiff, install a grease zerk in your Nautique. If this doesn't work... okay... spend the $200-$300 on a new steering cable.



My 2c.