Maine Sail(Rod)

[Tim R.]

I decided to start a new thread rather than stir up the sharks on that shaft seal thread. I have never heard of a boat sinking from a PSS. I have from conventional flax packing though.Did you also install the flex coupling when you did the PSS? I am considering both for my boat for the exact same reasons as you. I figure the shaft saver may prevent major problems if(when) I snag some pot warp. I have once before on my Pearson and my A4 stopped very suddenly although there was no damage. That A4 was a tank. Where did you purcahse the PSS? Your price looks better than what is on their website currently.Feel free to email me directly at (treilley AT syseng.com)ThanksTim R.

 

[Rick D]

Get It Here!

It is sold right here through this site. I purchased two here. Help support your forum by purchasing through here when possible (and enjoy their great customer service).At ten years and 1200 hours, I decided to do some service on my current one. I called the manufacturer. They advised me they would simply recommend inspecting the carbon seal and replacing the bellows. They also sent new set-screws (they are not to be re-used). I did inspect the bearing, found the carbon bearing in perfect shape, replaced the bellows and kept the old as a spare. The old one looked and felt like new.I have known someone who had a bellows leak. They concluded it was likely damaged in installation. It was not a large leak. FWIW, I have used teflon packing 'no drip' paste in the past twice, and could not get it drip free. I could not use it in the factory composite box, and replaced it with a bronze unit. Then, after lack of success with that, I replaced it with a PSS unit. I also installed it on a power boat I have. It is an easy install. Be aware that the shaft alignment may be more critical if you have a long shaft run since the regular stuffing box provides some modest support (which, of course, it is not designed for). If you find you do need to re-align, that's a good thing since you had been wearing out stuff before you didn't know about.Good luck. Rick D.

 

[Alex]

Flex Coupling

Good idea. The other tread starting to get too personal.It depends on the boat. I have a CS 30 and wanted to add the flex coupling but the space between the stern tube and the motor flange is too limited. I have a PSS shaft seal.My volvo gear box uses a cone so there is no clunk when the gear is engaged. The flex coupling doesn't relieve you from shaft alignment. However, it does reduce the noise, torque flex, hit something and slight shaft misalignment.Good choice.

 

[Maine Sail]

PSS / Drive Saver

Hi Tim, I bought my PSS from Defender with a price match from either PYacht or Broken Leg Dave I really can't remember. It was last winter at this time and the prices may have gone up $10.00 or so between now and then. As for the Drivesaver I had one on my Catalina 36 and it seemed to work well but in order to align the engine you had to remove the Drivesaver. I noticed no noise reduction and no vibration change but I did have piece of mind about hitting a buoy.  For cutlass and transmission longevity I align my engine or check it twice a season with feeler gauges. With a PSS it's not easy to slide the shaft forward to check alignment because you'll need to loosen the set screws and hold the stainless steel mechanical seal while you slide the coupling to the transmission hub and check alignment. The problem with doing this is that you can damage the internal o-rings, inside the mechanical seal, when sliding them over the scars from the set screws. I feel better not moving the mechanical seal face if I don't have to. It is not true that you can run your engine out of alignment with a Drivesaver! I tried. Although I liked my Drivesaver it does not work well with a PSS if you actually like to check your alignment correctly and I do.  The only benefit I found was the break away feature for hitting lobster pots. The problem is I did hit a few in Penobscot Bay and it did not break away at all!! I chose not to put one on this boat because I check my alignment and adjust it as needed..