Shaft Seals

[Liquid Asset]

As I have said in previous posts, My father and I have just purchased a 50' Hatteras convertible. We are doing quite abit of work at the marina before we bring it home, and I am having an issue deciding what to do with the shaft seals. The hose that connnects the shaft log to the stuffing box needs replaced, and the stuffing boxes need some tlc, so we are going to be removing the stuffing boxes to replace the hose. We have an oportunity to install dripless shaft seals now since we would have it all apart, and I am not sure if we should pay to clean up the stuffing boxes and put them back, or change to dripless.

I Know that stuffing boxes can handle some things that a dripless seal will not like more vibration, but it would be nice to have a dry bilge. Can yall give me your opinions? I have to make a decision monday morning. Thanks.

 

[Genesis]

I personally would not spend the money on dripless - but its your money.

I would (and did) repack with GFO packing, and forget about it. That stuff lasts nearly forever, just works, and still has all the advantages of a traditional stuffing box.

 

[Banshee36]

I put in Strong Shaft seals four years ago and have been very pleased. They were definately worth the money!. My 36 was a PITA to adjust the packings, now I don't do anything but Check the hose clamps.

JW

 

[MikeP]

Be sure you read all the cons as well as the pros before making this decision. Con here: http://www.dockwalk.com/issues/2001/june/dripless1.shtml

 

[hattitude]

I had some shaft work done a couple years ago and had PSS dripless seals installed. So far they have been great.. but... after hearing about the GFO packing if I had it to do over again, I'd try that first. Regular stuffing boxes are tougher and much less can go wrong versus the dripless. If you can make them dripless too (or nearly dripless) you can't beat 'em. Not to mention saving some money.

 

[saltshaker]

I have the PSS seals in my 46C and they are great. I had mine installed when I repowered and put in new shafts. It is my understanding that the shafts need to be in perfect shape where the seal is installed. Most older boats with traditional stuffing boxes, end up with wear marks on the shafts. If your shafts are marked, don't install the dripless seals as they will fail prematurley.

Jack Sardina

 

[jim rosenthal]

I have had the PSS dripless seals on Blue Note for several years. They are holding up well. I would recommend them.

 

[Liquid Asset]

The Yard Manager at the marina says that they can extend the hose from the log a little to make sure that the seal has a perfect part of the shaft to sit on so that wear is not a problem. He recomends PYI shaft seals and says they have had excelent success with them. But he also does not necisarily recomend putting them on. He is willing, but he says "I am oldschool" and i think that means that he would recomend cleaning up the stuffing boxes and putting them back on. Any thoughts?

 

[Beckytek]

I have the conventional shaft logs and as far as I'm concerned they are dripless, at least mine are. I bought the boat last June and both logs were leaking profusely. I had the yard replace the packing in one and tighten the other. That was last June and neither has leaked since. I even loosened the nuts on one to see if it would drip some, but it doesn't. Even after using the boat all day when I check the area under the logs they are dry. I don't understand it but hey I'm not complaining. Ron

 

[Nonchalant1]

I have the conventional shaft logs and as far as I'm concerned they are dripless, at least mine are. I bought the boat last June and both logs were leaking profusely. I had the yard replace the packing in one and tighten the other. That was last June and neither has leaked since. I even loosened the nuts on one to see if it would drip some, but it doesn't. Even after using the boat all day when I check the area under the logs they are dry. I don't understand it but hey I'm not complaining. Ron

Ron,

Just to be sure, try putting your hand on the packing glands after you've been planing for an hour. Are they hot? A gland squeezed too tight may not drip but can overheat. If they're packed with GFO and adjusted OK, they also may not drip, or not drip very much anyhow.

Doug

 

[DickB]

I echo the above. I would worry about traditional seals that don't drip at all. What's lubricating the shaft?

I had dripless installed a couple years ago. So far, so good.

Dick

 

[Beckytek]

Just checked my shaft logs this weekend after cruising on plane for 1 hour they were cool as a cucumber.
Ron

 

[Nonchalant1]

Ron,

It sounds like you're good to go (or maybe good to GFO).

Doug