Dripless Shaft seals

[Walter P]

Just my two cents. I installed PSS dripless back in 2004. Every seven years or so it is recommended to renew the seals etc. I was lucky and got almost twice out of them and never had an issue. But when you see what is possible to happen when a failure occurs, it is scary how little there is to these things to keep water from entering the boat. Also, I didn’t have the style that you can renew without separating the shaft etc. so what I replaced them with is a traditional packing but had them drilled and had a water spud installed. What you end up with is the dependability of a traditional gland and the cooling of a dripless and therefore can run tighter and have no drip. Third year running and no issues.

I really like your idea... best of both worlds. Years ago I had my dripless seals removed and went
back to conventional with the goretex (sp).. I felt much safer knowing that if there was a failure, it
would not sink my boat.

Walt

 

[Walter P]

I guess I should proofread these things before they go out. Robert can no longer send photos of his engine room. They are just too damn clean. Robert you inspire me.

Rusty, I think I figured out what Robert is doing. Somehow he acquired a bunch of pictures of when
his boat was brand new and is now posting them...lol. It really never ceases to amaze me that his
boat is so spotless. I'm sure there are other HOFer's who maintain their Hatts very well but they are
very few. Once again Robert, you are very inspiring....

Walt

 

[Fanfare]

I put Tidesmarine dripless shaft seals on Fanfare about 20 years ago to cure recurring drips probably caused by an improperly installed muff coupling. Problem solved. I also had enough space to add two sets of replacement seals in their protective covers on each shaft. These must be installed while the shafts are partially pulled back because they go around the shaft. I have never had to replace one of these seals. It does seem that about once a decade the shafts get pulled for changing cutless bearings or something else and I then change all the seals, including spares, at that time. It seems wasteful but if I ever do need to change one at sea at least they will be fresher.

The interior cabin dimensions of my 50MY are mostly identical to the 53 series so your engine room should be like mine. I think the Tides seals should be a direct replacement for the original stuffing box. Don't forget the spares!

 

[jim rosenthal]

RAC, I can't believe you posted those photos. Did you stop cleaning your engine room and bilge? I would be embarrassed to show those photos in public. They are a disgrace. LOL And while you're at it, did you rebuild the other water pump?

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Thanks, guys. Those pics are two or three months old. Only posted to help OP. Any excuse, right? On to other stuff.

Jim, negative on the other pump. It's tight and dry, and I'm sure has a different story, hour-wise. I did drain and pull the pipes (new paint of course) and put on new hoses on that side.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Glad you didn't have to do two of them. The first one was enough of an ordeal. Sorry about the ribbing but NO ONE's engine room is as clean as yours, and we're all jealous.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Glad you didn't have to do two of them. The first one was enough of an ordeal. Sorry about the ribbing but NO ONE's engine room is as clean as yours, and we're all jealous.

This is not a place for folks with sensitive feelings.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Or, as they used to say in the Catskills, it's a rough room.