You do not need to remove the rudder on the 54 to change the packing. You need to remove the top of the rudder post (the quadrant). Then remove the packing nut from the rudder post, remove the old packing, then insert new packing from Amel, and tighten the nut. In 90 days, you will likely need to tighten the nut again.

I have more detailed instructions, but considering your experience, the above will likely work for you.