 Stuffing Box; To pack or NOT to pack
After spending all winter refurbishing a low hour 1990 30 ft Black Watch I have one final mechanical chore. During sea trial the stuffing boxes did not leak excessively and I (unfortunately) did not feel the temp as it was 20 dgrees and howling out. The boat ran exceptionally well on a snotty day. The starboard rudder post did leak, however, rather excessively.
After opening the stbd shaft stuffing box I found dry, hardened white/gray material in the box that would be extremely difficult to pick out (if at all possible). I have not been ablt to get in touch with the prior owner to determine if it was ever serviced. He lightly used and lightly maintained this boat. The gland nut/lock nut were difficult to loosen and it may never have been done previously. The stbd rudder post packing was nearly non existent but there was some removable material inside and I plan on repacking it. My quetsion is, should I leave well enough alone and not repack the boxes???? Could the white/gray stuff be the packing paste that is sold at Defender??? The shaft, at least what I could see of it, did not appear to be scored. My inclination is to painstakingly remove all (if possible) of this hard white stuff and attempt to repack. But then my other thought is if it ain't broke...........I will, obviously, try to get in touch with the prior owner.
Any advice would be well apreciated as I am new to inboards. Thanks in advance. | 
