Posted: August 02 2007 at 18:04 | IP Logged

Hello everyone,

Does anyone know the packing size for the rudders.  It's 1/2 inch for the engine shafts.  It it very critical for your rudder packing NOT to leak.  I've heard that if you uses teflon packing for the rudders it's a lifetime fix. Don't have time to go into why it's so critical ( the admiral is waiting) I'll get to that later.

Furman Combes

Posted: August 03 2007 at 09:03 | IP Logged

Furman,

Not sure of the rudder packing size as the yard did mine, about five (?) years ago. Coincidentally my starboard rudder appears to have started leaking on the last days of our two week cruise. Just got back and plan to check it out tomorrow. The same side leaked the season before last and I tightened the coupling and all ok until now. On my 500 the water leaking from a rudder will only appear in the bow bilge area. I do not have water in any of my bilges unless there is a problem.

I took out the drawers from the cabinet next to the master stateroom bed and then removed the cabinet front by removing the inside backing screws. Takes only ten minutes and gives you better access. It looked like someone had slightly increasesd the cutout on the floorboard around the packing nuts.

Let us know how you make out and why it is so important to not have a rudder leak except for the obvious reason.... as you say, the nearest land is usually under the boat! 

Dave

Posted: August 03 2007 at 11:51 | IP Logged

The reason that it's important not to have a rudder packing leak is that the water will run forward (due to the bow down attitude of a docked 500, not sure about the 460) and collect on the aft side of the aft engine wall. This will cause the water to wet the aluminum water tank. This WILL cause pin holes to develop and ruin the tank. (as it did mine) There are only two ways to see the water. The first is to lift the 2nd tread down and look down with a flash light to the starboard side of the stringer. The second is to take the forward enclosure of the bench sit in the office (if you have one) and take a mirror and flashlight and look on the forward side of the tank.  The tank sits directly on the bildge and only a little water will do damage.  I discovered my leak when I left the boat with the water pump on and water in the tank.  The next day I came back and the pump was running and the tank was empty.  I refilled the tank and put some red food coloring in the tank and watched as my bildge water turned red.  I have replaced my tanks (without having to move the tub or take any walls down. I did lose about 40 gals capacity. I'll be glad to share what I had to do if someone needs to know. They can call me at 912-898-8344 as it is very involved to make clear in an email.