Flax v. Teflon v. Dripless Packing?

[Peter C.]

I've seen mixed reports on the benefits of each type of packing. Flax is the least expensive but presumably has the shortest useful life. I'm told Teflon lasts longer, costs a little more but needs less water to lubricate. The dripless packing system sold by West Marine and others is surprisingly expensive but I understand it results in a dry bilge? You can also buy a Teflon additive to apply to the flax packing. So many choices. What experiences and suggestions do other boaters have?

 

[Les Murray]

I am using teflon with no problems

I am using the GFO Teflon packing. No problems at all. And the cost was very reasonable. $15 for 2 feet of 1/4" packing.Les MurrayS/V Ceilidh86 C-36 #560

 

[Ron/KA5HZV]

Flax

I use Flax. I check the stuffing box as part of my pre and post sailing checks. It needs adjusting every now and then, but it is cheap and you can repack one at sea if needed. I think, and I'm only guessing here, that you have to haul the boat to install/replace the dripless kind.. Ron/KA5HZV

 

[Paul Palmer]

PTFE

I am using West Marine FTFE Flax Packing. 3 years and no drips. Pulled the shaft this spring and it shows no ware. 1/4" is $5.99.Paul

 

[Ed Schenck]

Overpriced dripless.

It is overpriced. But only because you use a fraction of it. I am on my third season with the original and haven't had a drip nor have I had to adjust. It is so good it makes me nervous and I am always checking. It's just like regular flax packing so far as installation is concerned. I would not do either one in the water unless necessary. See the link.

 

[steven f.]

dripless

I have a lasdrop dripless system on my shaft and found it to be great. My bilge is bone dry, I mean spider web type dry. This system has been in for about 8 years and I'm just now having problems. Actually, the problems are my own fault, I didn't realize I had to "burp" the seal after hauling it so I probably burned it out a bit. One probem with the dripless system (other than the $$$$$) is the boat should probably be hauled to install. I'm sure there are people out there who dont but I'm not one of them.