DIY Fail: Packing Gland Struggle on a Steel Schooner Refit

Welcome to another glamorous evening in the lazarette — just me, a rusty rudder post, and a packing gland that wants to stay right there for another 25 years. Armed with heat, tools, and misplaced optimism, I went all-in on removing the base of the gland. Blinded by late night brain fog and seized up in rust and confusion I nearly burnt the boat down, and fully roasted my dignity. The gland sat there, seized solid, not giving an inch, while I sweated and muttered in the dark like a guy trying to negotiate with a brick wall. The kicker? The next morning I managed to pry off the collar, pick out the packing, and the whole rudder post just… fell out on its own. So yeah, this video is basically a highlight reel of me fighting the wrong battle. If you want to see the eventual success, check out the full rudder post removal video right here - https://youtu.be/9yUaLQFdQ4k?si=c4uFeNq1JzGgRKDl. But if you enjoy watching a man get owned by corroded bronze, pitted steel, and 25yr old packing . . . you’re in the right place.