I took the rudder stuffing box out of my new (1991) Brendella ski boat. I found that the base is broken from the tube the rudder goes through that has the packing in it. I've been trying to find a new one, but can't find one the same size. The plates are 4" x 4" and the holes are 3" center. The rudder shaft is 1". There are some numbers on the old assembly, but I don't expect anyone to be able to cross them to anything, but I'll give them anyway; M.H. R.B.N.S. 100
The only assemblies I can find have a smaller base. How would I go from the larger base to a smaller one? Obviously I'd have to drill 4 new holes and seal 4 old ones. How would I go about sealing (4) 3/8" holes through the rear of the boat? Would drilling new holes so close to the old one weaken anything? If so should I make a new plate to both fill the old holes and align the new one?
Also should I go with the standard packing style seal, or spend a few extra bucks on the greasable o-ring style seal?
Thanks!!
The only assemblies I can find have a smaller base. How would I go from the larger base to a smaller one? Obviously I'd have to drill 4 new holes and seal 4 old ones. How would I go about sealing (4) 3/8" holes through the rear of the boat? Would drilling new holes so close to the old one weaken anything? If so should I make a new plate to both fill the old holes and align the new one?
Also should I go with the standard packing style seal, or spend a few extra bucks on the greasable o-ring style seal?
Thanks!!