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F32 rudder packing

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 6:29 am
by daletournier
Hi, just some clarification and a question for fellow Freedom 32 owners. Ive just replaced the rudder shaft packing. There seems to be some confusion in previous posts in regards to what size packing our boats take. I had brought 5/8 (16mm ) only to find out after lifting the flange that it is definitely 1/2 inch ( 12.5mm )packing that is required. You can only fit 2 turns, each turn approx 2 feet. 7/16 is definitely to small 5/8 is definitely to large. The job can easily be done in the water without any worry . In previous posts it has been mentioned that the slop ( rudder knocks ) in the rudder near disappears once new packing is fitted, this is true. My question is what sort of bearing set up do these rudder systems have? as Im not sure the packing taking up the slop is the way its meant to be? Isnt the packing starting to operate like a bearing? Therefore can the rudder shaft be removed and what ever bearing type set up is present be replaced ie allowing the packing to be just packing. Or is the rudder designed to operate in away that allows what would normally be considered bearing play to be taken up by the packing? Hope my ramblings have clarity.

Thanks in advance
Dale Tournier F32 Freeform

Re: F32 rudder packing

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 9:40 am
by Robert
Dale,

When repacking did you notice the zerks for greasing the upper and lower bearings? that will remove a little more of the play. Don't forget, it only takes a small amount of play in the bearing to be exagerated into a large amount at the rudder tip (that's if you have your boat on the hill and sensing play be rocking the ruder). The actual bearings are machined 'delrin' if I recall correctly for confirmation, I would call Paul Dennis at Warren River Boatworks - (401) 245-6949, he will tell you exactly what you need and may have them available or can get them made for you.

Bob

Re: F32 rudder packing

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 5:23 pm
by daletournier
Hi Bob, yes i greased it up and it does make a difference yet I find the packing takes up most of the slack. Im pulling the boat shortly and will drop rudder then to have a good look.

Cheers Dale
Freeform

Re: F32 rudder packing

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2019 5:09 pm
by JohnReinagel
Dale, hoping for information to this old thread. Were you able to verify if there is a delrin (or other material) bearing underneith the packing material? I have the knocking and water ingress when fully loaded so I know I at least need the 1/2" packing but would like to do both at the same time if a solid bearing exists. Any info you can share would be appreciated. Thanks.