Rudder stuffing box repacking

[Ziggy]

The stuffing box for my rudder is very difficult to reach, to the point I don't really know if it is leaking or not. To access it I will probably need to remove the steering quadrant. So how often should it be repacked? What is the best packing material to use for a rudder?

[AnchorageGuy]

We used the same packing as the shaft. Gore material is my favorite. The rudder should very seldom need repacking since it doesn't spin like the shaft. You Don't say how old your boat is, but it is probably original. It might only need some tightening. Chuck

[Ziggy]

It's 29 years young.

[DeepFrz]

It's 29 years young.

IMHO, repack.

Edit: reason - it will allow you to inspect the rudder shaft.