a pre-haulout inspection revealed significant cracking of the rubber stuffing box tube in my 1986 Newport 28. The cracks were not there 3 months ago when I adjusted the stuffing box drip rate. Yard Mgr said dry rot ususally ruins the rubber tube after about 15 years. So along with a bottom job and new thru-hulls and sea cocks, I will have the yard replace the stuffing box and cutlass bearing. Hopes this helps.