Changing shaft coupling while boat is in the water

[SteveKJR]

For those of you who need to change out your shaft coupling, you can do it while the boat is in the water. I recently did mine (78 C & C 29)

The coupling on my boat consists of rubber tubing that slips over the fiberglass through hull tube and the brass bung that fits over the shaft. One end slips into the rubber tubing and the other end has the adjustable packing nut.

At first I was a little nervious because I wasn't sure just how much water would come into the boat with the coupling removed. To my surprise, from the time I removed the old shaft coupling to the time I installed my new coupling, I probably took on about 1 to 2 gallons of water - that was it.

There are three things you need to check before you proceed. Make sure the shaft is secure so that it will not slip into the drink when the old shaft coupling is removed, next you need to double check the size of the rubber tubing that slides over the fiberglass through hull tube and lastly you need to make sure the brass bung with the packing nut that slides over the shaft is the correct size.

When I ordered mine, even though I ordered the correct size, they sent the wrong one. Luckily I wasn't going to have the boat hauled to do this job.

That's pretty much it - if there is any interst in this post I can provide some pictures.

SteveKJR

 

[Ed Schenck]

Your experience is interesting in that you made the change while taking on so little water. But you may have confused the audience with calling that hose a "shaft couplling". The shaft coupling was what you disconnected at the transmission in order to slide the shaft back. With the shaft slid back you were able to remove the stuffing box from the stern tube and install a new one. That hose is what allows you to connect the stuffing box to the stern tube. At least that is what I think you meant.

P.S. And yes, there should be four hose clamps.

 

[SteveKJR]

Hi Ed,

You are correct - the picture you posted is similar to what I replaced. I probably could have posted some pics but I was waiting to see what kind of interest there is. I took pics throughout the whole process from engine removal to shaft coupling installation.

SteveKJR

 

[zeehag]

yes replacement of the dripless stuffing box is the pic--thankyou--is exactly what i am planning to do with my formosa 41. however, mine is not as cute and dainty--i will post pix of the replacement of the packing gland on steroids when my turn comes......good work..!!