Rudder shaft packing size
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=20613
Printed Date: November-19-2024 at 8:31pm
Topic: Rudder shaft packing size
Posted By: The Dude
Subject: Rudder shaft packing size
Date Posted: February-10-2011 at 7:12pm
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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? ------------- Mullet Free since 93 http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=717&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1991&yrend=1995 - 95 Sport |
Replies:
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: February-10-2011 at 7:25pm
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Dude, no need to pull the tank- theres plenty of room to get a hand down there and take the rudder apart with the panel removed.
My '90 took 3/16" in the rudder, but youre best off checking to see what you have before you order, or get both sizes to be safe (if you dont want to take it apart and then wait for your order to arrive). The 1/4" in a 3/16" gland will make your steering way too tight and the other way around leaks like a faucet! ------------- |
Posted By: The Dude
Date Posted: February-10-2011 at 7:31pm
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Thanks! For some reason I always thought you were Tim, but saw Greg when I clicked on your boat. I always appreciate your help.
------------- Mullet Free since 93 http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=717&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1991&yrend=1995 - 95 Sport |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: February-10-2011 at 7:35pm
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Youve got it right- Dad and I bought the BFN together (he's Gregg).
Id bet good money that your rudder takes 3/16... but its better to check first! ------------- |
Posted By: The Dude
Date Posted: February-10-2011 at 8:42pm
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?
 ------------- Mullet Free since 93 http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=717&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1991&yrend=1995 - 95 Sport |
Posted By: The Dude
Date Posted: February-10-2011 at 8:43pm
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There was also grease on the shaft. Should I re-grease after packing? ------------- Mullet Free since 93 http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=717&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1991&yrend=1995 - 95 Sport |
Posted By: dillon5
Date Posted: February-11-2011 at 12:41am
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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 ------------- 95 Nautique 351 |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: February-11-2011 at 10:42am
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David - I wouldn't grease the packing area but I do put some antisieze on the shaft near the rudder. Some guys even put a grease zerk in for this purpose. ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: February-11-2011 at 12:00pm
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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. ------------- |
Posted By: The Dude
Date Posted: February-17-2011 at 5:03pm
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when it was all said and done the 3/16 fit better on the rudder than the 1/4.
1/4 on the drive shaft is correct like dillon said. ------------- Mullet Free since 93 http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=717&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1991&yrend=1995 - 95 Sport |
Posted By: dillon5
Date Posted: February-17-2011 at 6:59pm
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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? ------------- 95 Nautique 351 |
Posted By: The Dude
Date Posted: February-17-2011 at 7:42pm
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Haven't put the packing back in the prop shaft yet, just the rudder. three pieces came out of the shaft, four out of the rudder. No, I could get to the rudder ok. I removed the whole rudder nut and repacked it then, it went back on easy. ------------- Mullet Free since 93 http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=717&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1991&yrend=1995 - 95 Sport |
Posted By: barnum910
Date Posted: June-30-2011 at 11:54pm
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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 
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Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: July-01-2011 at 12:48am
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Mike - The packing is a rope like seal that goes under those large pcs of hardware (got to be careful on this site). You can get replacement packing from SkiDim, FI inboards, or Correct Parts. Probably from a local marina but it would be twice the price!
There are 2 sizes, you might want to get both (it's cheap stuff). Loosen the lock nut, then screw the cap off. use a pick to get the old packing out. Use 3 pcs of new, cut it a little long so it compresses well. Stagger where the ends meet so it is a labrynith. Adjust it so it doesn't leak but is free to turn. I used some anti-seize on the rudder shaft, BTW. Won't last forever but it steers very easy when new. Good luck. ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Posted By: ellisaudio
Date Posted: August-07-2011 at 6:39pm
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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. ------------- David Ellis 1989 Ski Nautique Perfect Pass, Crane Ignition Wide Band O2 - Tuned Carb |