rudder post stuffing

[Gordon]

I have a 1980 CSY WO (#199). I have a leak at the rudder post. There is a threaded pipe with the shaft coming up through it to the quadrant. There is a "cap" over the post threaded down onto the pipe. There is locking nut under this "cap". This is the original assembly. When I loosen the lock nut and back off the "cap" to get at the stuffing; there isn't enough room to back the cap to expose access to the stuffing. Does the quadrant have to be removed? Can this be safely performed in the water? Any suggestions on the best way to do this project? 

[stevesailing]

Hi, I had the same issue on mine a couple of years ago. I was able to lift the "cap" sufficiently to allow a sharp hook implement access to pick out the old stuffing. Took hours and was far from a pleasant exercise. I contemplated doing it I the water but chickened out. Glad I did. Cheers, Steve