Shaft log repack

[MadHatter53]

I’m thinking of replacing the packing in both shaft logs while I’m blocked up. My port side log/hose has a bit of a bulge and could have been over stuffed or over tightened. I have 2” shafts and think I read that I need 1/2” packing. On my previous boat I used the goretex packing and never had any issues so wondering what folks here recommend. Also any tips would be helpful.

[bigbill]

replace the hose while she is out of the water

[neildeb2]

The Gore GFO is still, IMHO, the best thing out there. Just repacked mine with it again. BTW, I have a 58LRC, and I was told 3/8" packing for my 2" shafts. Not true. The correct size was 1/4" packing. You may want to climb back there and measure before buying packing. One tip: after cutting each piece to the correct length, I use a light wooden mallet to slightly flatten the packing strip. It fits much more easily into the opening between the shaft and the packing retainer.

[ian w]

My 1981 53 my takes half inch packing
I have found Goretex very long lasting

[jmooney]

I just repacked with Gortex , changed the hoses also as the shafts were out . The old Gortex packing was 19 years old, most looked like it was new . More importantly, the shafts looked great, no scoring, just very nicely polished where the packing touched. I have read that to tighten the stuffing boxes use an infrared thermometer and tighten until the stuffing box is 30 degrees warmer than the water temperature. Virtually dripless .

[jim rosenthal]

We just repacked the rudder ports on my Hatteras. I got several different suggestions as to what the proper size packing was (it turned out to be 3.16")- I bought packing in all the possible sizes and just returned what I didn't end up using. Now, we'll see how we did when she goes back in.

[MadHatter53]

Before I order my gfo packing I need to verify the size I need which requires a visit and I figure I’m gonna need to unbolt and pull back on the “stuffer” to get a good measurement vs measuring what’s already in place. Also is 2.5ft enough for both or just one side ? This is for my 2” shafts not rudders.

[motoryacht lover]

I just repacked with Gortex , changed the hoses also as the shafts were out . The old Gortex packing was 19 years old, most looked like it was new . More importantly, the shafts looked great, no scoring, just very nicely polished where the packing touched. I have read that to tighten the stuffing boxes use an infrared thermometer and tighten until the stuffing box is 30 degrees warmer than the water temperature. Virtually dripless .

I had not heard of that. I will remember that. I am pretty sure my packing is Gortex and I have learned the hard way not to overtighten on the initial break in period. Now I just barely snug it up and run the boat. Then when not underway periodically slightly tighten till the drip rate is about right. Go easy on the initial tightening.

[rsmith]

Before I order my gfo packing I need to verify the size I need which requires a visit and I figure I’m gonna need to unbolt and pull back on the “stuffer” to get a good measurement vs measuring what’s already in place. Also is 2.5ft enough for both or just one side ? This is for my 2” shafts not rudders.

🍕D x4 rings per shaft

[Jims43DC]

D x4 rings per shaft

circumference of shaft not diameter

circumference=2πr=2×3.14×1=6.28 inches

so you will need 25.12 inches of packing per shaft if each shaft has 4 pieces