Leaking prop shaft

[mikewhite7314]

I have recently acquired a Hunter Vision 32 and have noticed a leak in the aft cabin coming from the rubber boot around the prop shaft. please excuse my description for technical correctness but the leak is at the inboard end of the boot where it butts up to a stainless steel plate which appears to be held in place on the shaft with grub screws. The boot itself does not seem to be damaged but I am told there are some "stuffing gland" type seals underneath which may need replaced. I am looking for advice on the make up of this whole arrangement as I would obviously like to fix the problem. The boat is currently in the water. Can anyone point me in the right direction with this one?
Thanks
MW

 

[cbsailor]

Your description sounds like you have a dripless seal setup. Which manufacturer you have will take more info or pictures to be sure. If it looks like the picture below it is a PYI unit. If you can confirm the manufacturer I'm sure you'll get lots of answers.

Leaks from dripless units are rare for the most part if properly installed and maintained. PYI for instance recommends replacing the rubber boot every 6 years. On PYI units, sometimes the leak can be overcome by repositioning the stainless collar, in other words compressing the seal/rubber boot. If the boot is old and has lost its flexibility you will need to replace the boot. That will mean a haulout.

If your unit is a PYI, check out the PYI website for more info. http://www.shaftseal.com/en/about/shaftseal_maintenance_