Hunter 356 - shaft dripping rate

[Michal]

Hey,

Can anyone let me know if this shaft dripping rate (after running motor extensively) is OK?
More infromation: the next day (without running motor) there was no dripping at all.

Thank you and sorry if this question has already been asked, I could not find it on the forum.

 

[Dave Groshong]

Old school says 1 drop per minute. Consider a dripless shaft seal and dry bilge, a proven product:

Hunter 35.5 shaft seal, dripless

Hunter 35.5 shaft seal, dripless

shop.hunterowners.com

Happy Weekend!!

 

[capta]

Consider a dripless shaft seal and dry bilge, a proven product:

I had considered a dripless until I found out that if it fails the only way to fix it was to haul out. Then you have to disconnect and remove the coupling and slide the shaft back. Lots more work than repacking a standard stuffing box.

 

[jviss]

Why two threads on this, one a Catalina 356, the other a Hunter 356?

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Then you have to disconnect and remove the coupling and slide the shaft back. Lots more work than repacking a standard stuffing box.

Those things never made much sense to me, unless you NEVER look at your packing, shaft, or anything else on your boat.

I run my packing dry (moist at worst) for five years between re-packings (about 500-600 hrs.). Snug maybe 1/2 a flat every year. Most mechanical seal manufacturers recommend replacing the rubber boot every 6-8 years. I would imagine a boot failure would look like the Red Sea returning to normal after being parted by Moses.

Just not worth the major work required to replace the boot OUT OF THE WATER while I replace my packing in the water every five years with a minimum of work. I don't even bother to take the toilet paper out of the bilge when re-packing.

 

[ggrizzard]

Ralph Johnstone
"Just not worth the major work required to replace the boot OUT OF THE WATER while I replace my packing in the water every five years with a minimum of work."

 

[chuckwayne]

1-2 drops per minute is normal to lube the running shaft - none when the shaft is turning. if you can't tighten it, it's time to repack

 

[Michal]

Thank you for all your answers, advices and expertise !!!!!