Shaft Log

[osprey]

Hi All, I am reconditioning the stuffing boxes on my 1982 46C with 2 1/2 inch propeller shafts. The old shaft log hoses where not correct, (thin walled hydraulic hose 8 inches long) I have purchased the correct heavy walled hose which is sold in 12" lengths. Question; what length should the shaft log hose be?

Best regards, and Happy New Year, P

 

[Boatsb]

We ususally but shaft log hose in smaller sections like 6-8" precut square and ready to install. There is a misconception that many have on what type to use. I always purchase hose from the supplier that is marked for that use to be sure. many other hoses might fit but are not the correct type for the long term submersion and vibration.

make sure you bought shaft log not exhaust hose.

 

[dsharp]

I don't think there is an exact length. You obviously don't want the hose so long that the gland is too close to the coupling to be re-packed and you don't want it so short that it can't be double or triple clamped. Check for shaft wear where it's been running. You may want to adjust the length a little to make the packing run on a new section if you have some obvious wear that's causing leaks.

 

[Fanfare]

If you do have some shaft wear or pitting a good prop shop can refinish the shafts and make them like new.

The first time you see your pulled shafts you will panic. Lots of rust, scrapes, shiny lines, especially where the rubber bearings in the struts are. Surprisingly, most don't seem to matter much.

 

[Dan Mapes]

Why would you reinstall old style glands and heavy hose? Dripless fittings have a much lighter gauge hose to allow the bearing material to align properly with the shaft.

 

[captddis]

The length on the 46C hp is 6 inches. I assume you bought the Buck Algonquin 6 ply hose.... Great stuff.

 

[Boatsb]

Why would you reinstall old style glands and heavy hose? Dripless fittings have a much lighter gauge hose to allow the bearing material to align properly with the shaft.

Because the old style will not sink a boat if it breaks a cooling line.

 

[wshelton]

Along the same lines I do have a question. My shaft logs were repacked several years ago when the boat was on the hard. It is apparently time to do this again as the shafts tend to leak more often and tightening the couplings slow this till the next time out and I have to do this again. My question is. Is it possible to repack while the boat is in the water. If so, is there any particular issues I need to be prepared to take?

 

[captddis]

I prefer to repack in the water. Water will come in but it won't be a gusher.

 

[wshelton]

Thank you for the speedy response. I guess the next step will be to loose at least 30 pounds so my big a... can fit down in there to get to them.

W

 

[dottieshusband]

I Repacked both rudder and shafts in the water. There will be water, if you don't get a good, you haven't got the old packing out. They make specialized tools for removing old packing, nut I had an old set of Craftsman picks that did an out standing job. Make sure your bilge pumps work, duh.. Have at least your first ring pre cut. If you search an old post of mine, I go through it with a rudder shaft..its a simulate process

 

[rsmith]

I've done it bothways. It is a good idea to pull the shafts back and take the glands apart once in a while. They build up a bunch of scale and junk that you just cant get out with a pick and scraper. My original hoses said "steam duty" on them and when I replaced them about 15 years ago couldnt find anything as thick. I got double wire exhaust from Lewis supply which was what all the yards were using at the time. I have a set of packing removal tools but the coarse deck screws work just as well.

 

[Boatsb]

I've done it bothways. It is a good idea to pull the shafts back and take the glands apart once in a while. They build up a bunch of scale and junk that you just cant get out with a pick and scraper. My original hoses said "steam duty" on them and when I replaced them about 15 years ago couldnt find anything as thick. I got double wire exhaust from Lewis supply which was what all the yards were using at the time. I have a set of packing removal tools but the coarse deck screws work just as well.

Its usually best to use hose without wire as vibration may cause delamination of the rubber.

Anyway after 15 years its probably time to change them again anyway.

 

[34Hatt]

Because the old style will not sink a boat if it breaks a cooling line.

Oh great finally most owners know that you should not sink because of dockside water hook up because your pumps can more than keep up.

Now your going to have them think their going to sink because of a 3/8" hose

Just have good pumps do your Maintenance and go Boating

 

[Boatsb]

Had a hose fitting break on a seatrial. The surveyor was the only real damage. He was down behind the engines and was sprayed in the face. Found 3 of the 4 barbs corroded and ready to break. Maintenance would have caught it if the owner had it on his list of things to check.

My logs are so hard to get to with the genny in the way id rather stay tried and true with the old style. I check them visually but only get to touch them if I go outboard and reach over the strainers.

 

[osprey]

Thanks for all the input everyone. Yes I bought the Buck Algonquin 6 ply hose and the top of the line graphit stuffing.. I didn't go for the dripless system for two reasons. first, the extra cost, I am reconditioning the entire boat and did not feel it was worth it. I would expect the old stuffing boxes to be all but drip free for 3 or 4 years if taken care of and only tightened the minimun amount. Second reason, When the boat is in the water, it is on a mooring with not many people around, and although very very rare, if the dripless system fails..... well you know

Best regards, P

 

[Angela]

What a timely discussion for us. Last night, our port shaft log spun itself loose, stuffing box and all - several times. Good thing the bilge pump was healthy as it certainly got a hearty work out. We drifted in the bay for a while while Ed got the incoming water under control. Looks like a trip to the yard is on the agenda next week.

 

[Boatsb]

What a timely discussion for us. Last night, our port shaft log spun itself loose, stuffing box and all - several times. Good thing the bilge pump was healthy as it certainly got a hearty work out. We drifted in the bay for a while while Ed got the incoming water under control. Looks like a trip to the yard is on the agenda next week.

Did the hose come off the tube or did the tube break loose.

 

[Angela]

Did the hose come off the tube or did the tube break loose.

Best I can tell (Ed wouldn't let me see too much because knew I would panic, but later told me that it's something like that that might sink the boat), the hose never left the part of the hull to which it's attached, but the whole thing broke loose - everything was spinning with the shaft and lots of water pouring into that bilge - it was keeping the bilge pump at a near constant run. Ed worked on it, putting everything back where it belonged, tightening the clamps, and when we would take off again, it all went spinning again, with lots of water coming in. Ed said he's never seen anything like it. At first, we thought perhaps the hose split, but I don't think he found any evidence of that. For now, it's holding while we're anchored. We'll limp home on one engine tomorrow.

 

[bobk]

Best I can tell (Ed wouldn't let me see too much because knew I would panic, but later told me that it's something like that that might sink the boat), the hose never left the part of the hull to which it's attached, but the whole thing broke loose - everything was spinning with the shaft and lots of water pouring into that bilge - it was keeping the bilge pump at a near constant run. Ed worked on it, putting everything back where it belonged, tightening the clamps, and when we would take off again, it all went spinning again, with lots of water coming in. Ed said he's never seen anything like it. At first, we thought perhaps the hose split, but I don't think he found any evidence of that. For now, it's holding while we're anchored. We'll limp home on one engine tomorrow.

Ang, Please keep us posted. Pictures?

Bobk