Rudder Packing Nut size

[Bare Necessities]

Hi, I have a 1989 Carver Californian 48'. I am wondering if any of you know the correct size wrench for the rudder shaft packing nut. I would like to purchase the correct size wrench before I go back to the boat. I would prefer to buy a correct wrench rather than use channel locks or adjustable wrench. Thanks for your input.

 

[HiDHo]

An end wrench would be really big, I don’t know how much room you have to swing one. I have used a plumber adjustable spanner wrench that is readily available at any hardware store. I usually tap the lock ring loose with a ball peen hammer while holding the packing gland nut with the spanner. Ideally it would be a short end wrench but I would think you would have to cut and shorten it yourself.

 

[Larry M]

We’ve been using a chain wrench. It has fit every boat we’ve owned.

 

[Bare Necessities]

An end wrench would be really big, I don’t know how much room you have to swing one. I have used a plumber adjustable spanner wrench that is readily available at any hardware store. I usually tap the lock ring loose with a ball peen hammer while holding the packing gland nut with the spanner. Ideally it would be a short end wrench but I would think you would have to cut and shorten it yourself.

Thanks, I had looked on line and they make packing nut wrenches that are short and stubby for that reason but the plumber wrench you have pictured would probably work. I knew just a regular end wrench would probably be too long in the confined space. I tried to measure the packing nut but wanted to confirm the size before ordering one, looks like 2" or 2 1/4" but the adjustable wrench may work. Thanks Charlie

 

[Bare Necessities]

We’ve been using a chain wrench. It has fit every boat we’ve owned.

Thanks, I may be able to use a chain wrench but was looking for the correct size for the confined space. It would probably be easier to turn. Thanks, Charlie

 

[Northern Spy]

I have a pair made out of 3/8" plate. Flame cut carbon steel and filed to dimension then painted with hammerite. Farmerish, I know.

Would be easy to get a shop to waterjet a set out of SS plate. Right shop might not even be that expensive on a piece of scrap. Could store them right by the packing gland in the bilge.

 

[Bare Necessities]

Sounds like a great idea. For a quicker fix, I think I will pick up one of the plumbers wrench mentioned above. Looks like they would do the trick. Thanks, Charlie

 

[bayview]

Never could find a proper wrench for my 4" plus nuts. They are never too tight so I used plumbers wrenches with out messing up the nuts. Chain wrenches need two hands so it was tough with two nuts since i didn't want to stress the part mounted in the hose to the hull.

 

[Bare Necessities]

Thanks Bayview, I have ordered a plumber's wrench like above post mentioned. I think it will work fine.