Thanks for the idea. I replaced the packing during the rebuild. What I'm trying to understand is that just sitting in the water or on the trailer, I can move the steering wheel with just my fingers. As soon as there is water flowing over the rudder, it becomes a work out.

I have driven a few comp ski boats that have had rudder work done to make tracking better but increase the effort needed to steer. Also not sure if it is due to the offset rudder.