I am considering installing a dripless seal on my shaft but have some questions. How are they lubricated? Any special winterization procedures? Are they a hassel to put on and a Murphy's law project? Is it worth it at $160.00 since I have never had any problems with my antiquated stuffing box. I am considering leaving the boat in the water next winter and this is the only reason I am considering this changeover.
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I put one in my V32 after first trying dripless packing that still seemed to drip some. My current 40.5 is a 94 with 800 hours and also has one. I think they are well worth it considering that many shaft drippings now have to overflow some dam and get to the bilge by some path between the hull and inner liner.... an invitation for foul odors. Good luck. Haven't seen any posts I can recall of anyone unhappy with the installation.
Dripless
Eric, I installed a PSS seal 7 yrs. ago. I've had a dry bilge ever since. Installation is simple. It is water lubricated. Totally maintenance free. However, I replace the o rings at every haul out. Good Luck, Bob
Eric, I installed a PSS seal 7 yrs. ago. I've had a dry bilge ever since. Installation is simple. It is water lubricated. Totally maintenance free. However, I replace the o rings at every haul out. Good Luck, Bob
Dont stop there!
We recently installed one as well. We are very happy with the PSS product. never drips and needs no lube. consider the following though: 1) to install it you must remove the flange coupling that connects the shaft to the tranny. 2) if you must do this it is a great time to replace the cutlass bearing in the external strut. 3) you may want to also add the flexible flange coupler from the same company that makes the PSS (seattle, wa I believe). This will help take up vibration and also save your tranny if your prop ever hits something solid while under power. Plan on a full day at least for all of these things. At least replace the cutlass bearing. Call hunter parts dept at hunter marine in alachua, fl. They sell the cutlass bearing at about half of what west marine wants. Happy sailing Doug
We recently installed one as well. We are very happy with the PSS product. never drips and needs no lube. consider the following though: 1) to install it you must remove the flange coupling that connects the shaft to the tranny. 2) if you must do this it is a great time to replace the cutlass bearing in the external strut. 3) you may want to also add the flexible flange coupler from the same company that makes the PSS (seattle, wa I believe). This will help take up vibration and also save your tranny if your prop ever hits something solid while under power. Plan on a full day at least for all of these things. At least replace the cutlass bearing. Call hunter parts dept at hunter marine in alachua, fl. They sell the cutlass bearing at about half of what west marine wants. Happy sailing Doug
Nuther 2 cents
After installing on a 28.5 and 35.5 no question it is a good move. One recommendation - The shaft is probably going to be pretty grungy at the location where the old stuffer was and where the new dripless will end up. The instructions will tell you to clean and polish up the shaft. Please polish the shaft as they say and when you get it really nice and clean - do it some more. The stainless part with "O Rings" which slips down the shaft, is of very close tollerance and can be very difficult to get into position, lest the shaft be clean. Also saves on the O Rings.
After installing on a 28.5 and 35.5 no question it is a good move. One recommendation - The shaft is probably going to be pretty grungy at the location where the old stuffer was and where the new dripless will end up. The instructions will tell you to clean and polish up the shaft. Please polish the shaft as they say and when you get it really nice and clean - do it some more. The stainless part with "O Rings" which slips down the shaft, is of very close tollerance and can be very difficult to get into position, lest the shaft be clean. Also saves on the O Rings.
You can't go wrong
Best investment you can make. I actually forced the seal back so water would come in because I thought it was magic and no water was in the thing. The hardest part about installing the seal will be getting the shaft out of the trani coupeling. If I could do it anyone can. Russ Her Diamond Ring
Best investment you can make. I actually forced the seal back so water would come in because I thought it was magic and no water was in the thing. The hardest part about installing the seal will be getting the shaft out of the trani coupeling. If I could do it anyone can. Russ Her Diamond Ring
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