Hunter Cherubini prop shaft question

[Rocinante33]

Hi all

Question about my stuffing box which is dripping at the rate of a drop every two seconds.

Do I have to remove the rudder in order to remove the prop shaft? It does not seem like it will come out no matter where the rudder is positioned.

I can not tell for certain cause the coupler has pretty well fused to the shaft and restricts how far aft I can slide the shaft. I can use an angle grinder to cut the coupler off, but if I screwup the shaft at that point, I have to have a plan to replace.

In order to replace the packing gland and packing and hose ( which if I am going to do this seems pretty reasonable) means i have to get the shaft free of the coupling. If the shaft needs replacing, I would have to slide it out and a new one back in, but the rudder seems to be in the way.

If I do have to drop the rudder, does anybody know what is involved in that?

Many thanks for any tips

Cheers

[Sailmonkey]

Why are you pulling the shaft if you only need to re-pack or tighten?

[Rocinante33]

I believe that I need to replace the hose as well and that has to be slipped over the end of the shaft. The end with the coupler fused to it. That if I cut free runs the risk of ruining the shaft.....either due to my cutting or the fusing not releasing.

[gtwashio]

I would try repacking the stuffing box first and see if that solves the dripping issue. It's relatively easy and cheap.

I had a 37 Cherubini and she was a really good boat.

Good Luck