I just bought a 1992 H28. It has a significant vibration in the prop shaft at any RPM. While motoring I felt the vibration thoughout the entire hull and went below and looked at the stuffing box assembly and noticed that an oval was being worn in the plastic stuffing box. As a winter project, I plan to align the engine and shaft. At the same time, I'd like to replace all the parts (e.g., stuffing box, hose around shaft, etc.) where the shaft goes through the hull. Does anyone have advice on where to get the parts and how to do the alighnment? I read the Yanmar manual and it looks easy enough, in theroy, but what's the real deal? Does anyone have an opinion on plastic stuffing boxes (as compared to bronze)? Thanks for any input.
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Alignment
Replacing the parts over winter is a good project. You might also consider replacing the cutlas bearing. I'd take the shaft to a machine shop and have the "trueness" checked. **DO NOT ALIGN THE BOAT ON STANDS** The boat MUST be aligned in the water in its natural state. Do all the repairs over winter. In the spring splash her and let her sit for a few days then align the engine. Patientce is a virtue when doing alignments. Pat McCartin Inland Marine Diesel Buford, Ga imd_ga@hotmail.com
Replacing the parts over winter is a good project. You might also consider replacing the cutlas bearing. I'd take the shaft to a machine shop and have the "trueness" checked. **DO NOT ALIGN THE BOAT ON STANDS** The boat MUST be aligned in the water in its natural state. Do all the repairs over winter. In the spring splash her and let her sit for a few days then align the engine. Patientce is a virtue when doing alignments. Pat McCartin Inland Marine Diesel Buford, Ga imd_ga@hotmail.com
A dripless seal might be a good idea
Mine works well and I have a dry bilge. The down side is that if the rubber bellows gets torn, punctured, etc. it is a serious hazard for leaking. I think it is called a PSS from PYI inc. http://www.pyiinc.com/ They have other products to consider as well like drive line parts, bearings, etc. They have treated me well in the past. I am not sure why you would need to replace engine mounts as a general maintainance item. Take a hard look at the prop while you are at it. We went from a two blade to a three blade and it made a huge difference all around - vibration was much less and we got a lot more power and speed.
Mine works well and I have a dry bilge. The down side is that if the rubber bellows gets torn, punctured, etc. it is a serious hazard for leaking. I think it is called a PSS from PYI inc. http://www.pyiinc.com/ They have other products to consider as well like drive line parts, bearings, etc. They have treated me well in the past. I am not sure why you would need to replace engine mounts as a general maintainance item. Take a hard look at the prop while you are at it. We went from a two blade to a three blade and it made a huge difference all around - vibration was much less and we got a lot more power and speed.
Stuffing Box
Unless they get frozen together bronze stuffing boxes last 50 years or longer. Replace the packing material with teflon flax available at marine discount suppliers for under ten bucks. The hose isn't due yet but change it if it will make you feel better. Avoid the overpriced over rated dripless systems. Besides being expensive they are a pain in the butt and you'll likely have to replace it long before your stuffing box
Unless they get frozen together bronze stuffing boxes last 50 years or longer. Replace the packing material with teflon flax available at marine discount suppliers for under ten bucks. The hose isn't due yet but change it if it will make you feel better. Avoid the overpriced over rated dripless systems. Besides being expensive they are a pain in the butt and you'll likely have to replace it long before your stuffing box
Daryl, what is painful about a dripless seal
other than the price? I have had one for 8 years and no problem at all except that I have to vacuum the dust out of my bilge. I do worry about its safety and am very careful with it but I worry about the guy anchored next to me too.
other than the price? I have had one for 8 years and no problem at all except that I have to vacuum the dust out of my bilge. I do worry about its safety and am very careful with it but I worry about the guy anchored next to me too.
Patrick, dripless response
Several of my yacht club friends like to spend money on their vessels. Two of the four I know that used these things had complications, leaks, and parts replacement. They are a pain to install. Boat has to be hauled, coupling has to come off the shaft, (one of the four had to cut the shaft to get it apart). The concept is great but a properly maintained bronze stuffing box will last over 50 years and cost a small fraction of the dripless system. Being a Hunter owner with modest income (cheap) it seems like a bad investment that will require expensive maintenance in the future. The ten bucks I spent on teflon flax will last for the lifetime of my boat.
Several of my yacht club friends like to spend money on their vessels. Two of the four I know that used these things had complications, leaks, and parts replacement. They are a pain to install. Boat has to be hauled, coupling has to come off the shaft, (one of the four had to cut the shaft to get it apart). The concept is great but a properly maintained bronze stuffing box will last over 50 years and cost a small fraction of the dripless system. Being a Hunter owner with modest income (cheap) it seems like a bad investment that will require expensive maintenance in the future. The ten bucks I spent on teflon flax will last for the lifetime of my boat.
Well, Daryl
I guess I would not have bought one of these either but it was already on the boat. So I have no bad experience to relate to your friends. It has been no problem at all in the time I have had it. No leaks and no wear that I can see. A dry bilge is pretty nice. If you have the funds, it is a nice mod to have.
I guess I would not have bought one of these either but it was already on the boat. So I have no bad experience to relate to your friends. It has been no problem at all in the time I have had it. No leaks and no wear that I can see. A dry bilge is pretty nice. If you have the funds, it is a nice mod to have.
Terry, I'm with Daryl on this one too.
I installed one of those bellows jobbies back when they first came out. It nearly sank the boat TWICE. But I'm sure they are better now!? I removed it at the next haul out. When I learned of Drip-Free packing, I installed it. (1988 or so) No haulout needed, cost $35.00 and it's still working today. Dry bilge and a loose shaft. A perfect product.
I installed one of those bellows jobbies back when they first came out. It nearly sank the boat TWICE. But I'm sure they are better now!? I removed it at the next haul out. When I learned of Drip-Free packing, I installed it. (1988 or so) No haulout needed, cost $35.00 and it's still working today. Dry bilge and a loose shaft. A perfect product.
Engine Mount Replacement?!
If the mounts look good (no cracks, dry rot, etc.) would you still replace them anyway. Another way to ask this question is: how do you know that your engine mounts need to be replaced?
If the mounts look good (no cracks, dry rot, etc.) would you still replace them anyway. Another way to ask this question is: how do you know that your engine mounts need to be replaced?
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