Rudder packing while in the water?

[boatdad123]

Hello all. Anyone ever repack rudder stuffing box while in the water? 1995 Sundancer 330. Is it possible to do? We are a month or so away from putting it up for the winter. It can probably wait, but the bilge runs more often than I would like. Any pictures and instructions would be greatly appreciated. BTW...new to the forum...absolutely great resource. Thank you in advance. If this topic has already been covered, please re-direct.

 

[ZZ13]

This thread has detailed instructions with pictures starting at the bottom of the first post:

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/28748-Packing-Stuffing-box-and-Rudders

 

[fwebster]

On most smaller Sea Ray inboards, there isn't enough room to repack the rudders without disassembling the rudder linkage to remove the packing nut. That means the rudder won't be secured in the boat when you are working on the repacking. While the actual work isn't brain surgery and is quite easy, it is a risky process trying to do this in the water.