Ben 361 Repairs for water inlet nipple at fwd end of shaft log - or NOT??

[Pinch]

On my 2000 Ben 361, there's a water inlet line for the forward end of the shaft log, just behind the shaft log seal (Volvo style), apparently to add more cooling water to the shaft while underway. Water source is from a dedicated thru-hill with scupper outside on hull. When trying to replace the hose connecting the thru-hull to the shaft log inlet, the inlet nipple broke off at the shaft log. Discussion with many others gave two differing options:
a. Drill out remainder of the broken nipple and replace with new, threaded into the shaft log, bedded with 5200
b. Don't replace the additional water feed - instead, just plug the former nipple hole and cap off the thru -hull. This is based on the opinion that additional cooling is NOT NEEDED for this boats' small engine (27hp Wesbke) and shaft rotation speed.
Looking to hear from any others who may have faced this situation or just opinions on need for the additional cooling. I have plans to ask BeneteauUS directly but wanted input first...thanks Pinch

 

[LeslieTroyer]

My guess is the water is not for "cooling" but to make sure air isn't in the bellows. Air can get there from cavitation in reverse or when you haul & re-launch.

 

[BigEasy]

Good question Pinch. Knowing how cost conscious these builders are, don’t think they would incur the materials & labor costs of installing cooling water if it wasn’t necessary. Did you notice after breaking the nipple if there was any significant water flow coming from the shaft tube with the thru hull valve for the hose & nipple
Closed?

 

[Ron20324]

,,, Don't replace the additional water feed - instead, just plug the former nipple hole and cap off the thru -hull. This is based on the opinion that additional cooling is NOT NEEDED...

It is usually not mentioned on post on this subject that the water also lubricates the shaft. People seem to only think "cooling". Fix it the way it was design for a purpose.

 

[BigEasy]

Good point Ron, if the shaft gets scored from excess friction or the shaft seal wears prematurely from lack of lubricatio, the fix will be considerably more expensive than replacing the nipple. I would not take a chance with eliminating the water source.

 

[Pinch]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. BigEasy's comment was especially helpful reminder: builders don't often waste money on unnecessary features. Guess I'll repair it - while having to stop the steady flow of water from the shaft tube; probably with Rescue Tape over the cutlass bearing to seal it temporarily. Pinch.

 

[Gunni]

Typically this repair requires a short haul and the new nipple is screwed in and reinforced with thickened epoxy. These nipples are not designed to last 18 years, more like 5 to be safe and get the job done while already on the hard for bottom painting.