Is it possible to replace packing gland material while the boat is in the water? It doesn't seem like the wisest thing to attempt, but perhaps someone has a methodology they can share. Thanks, George
Propeller Shaft Packing Glands
- Thread starter Hale Meakipe
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Not a problem
Ypu might want to check the archives as I think there should be prior discussion of the procedure. You will get a little water coming in but not enough to overwhelm the avg sized bilge pump. Just cut the packing to size for the rings before you begin and you'll find it pretty simple and quick. Once you get the first ring in, the flow will be very minimal.
Ypu might want to check the archives as I think there should be prior discussion of the procedure. You will get a little water coming in but not enough to overwhelm the avg sized bilge pump. Just cut the packing to size for the rings before you begin and you'll find it pretty simple and quick. Once you get the first ring in, the flow will be very minimal.
A lot depends on the style of the packing
gland. The one that came with Bietzpadlin the packing was inside the nut and required a small corkscrew to remove. Bear in mind the the packing gland is aft of the engine and under the fuel tank with the battery on the port side and the raw water intake on the starboard side. A midget contortionist would have some difficulty working in there. But once the old packing was dug out and the new stuff cut to size and placed in the nut and the nut tightened the flow of water stopped. Just as easy as that.
gland. The one that came with Bietzpadlin the packing was inside the nut and required a small corkscrew to remove. Bear in mind the the packing gland is aft of the engine and under the fuel tank with the battery on the port side and the raw water intake on the starboard side. A midget contortionist would have some difficulty working in there. But once the old packing was dug out and the new stuff cut to size and placed in the nut and the nut tightened the flow of water stopped. Just as easy as that.
The degree of access difficulty
varies from boat to boat but it can be done, not a problem, with the boat in the water. Compacted old packing material may be difficult to remove so a dental pick or similar tool may be required. To stem the flow of water while you work, wrap a couple of rags around the shaft and into the tube.
varies from boat to boat but it can be done, not a problem, with the boat in the water. Compacted old packing material may be difficult to remove so a dental pick or similar tool may be required. To stem the flow of water while you work, wrap a couple of rags around the shaft and into the tube.
Modelling Clay
George, I have little room to work on the shaft or packing gland. Any water coming in makes the work very difficult. In order to stem the flow, I had my diver pack non-toxic modelling clay in the gap and around the shaft where it exits the hull. It worked perfectly (almost). There was no water intrusion until I inadvertantly turned the shaft and broke the clay seal. The next time I had to do it, I prevented the shaft from turning and was able to work without any water intrusion.
George, I have little room to work on the shaft or packing gland. Any water coming in makes the work very difficult. In order to stem the flow, I had my diver pack non-toxic modelling clay in the gap and around the shaft where it exits the hull. It worked perfectly (almost). There was no water intrusion until I inadvertantly turned the shaft and broke the clay seal. The next time I had to do it, I prevented the shaft from turning and was able to work without any water intrusion.
In a previous thread
on this subject (may be in archives), I suggested caution. The Law of Unintended Consequences may apply. As with a number of boat tasks that you haven't done before, the difference between theory and reality may be dramatic. If all goes well and as preplanned, this may not be a difficult task. But it could be scary depending on a number of factors, all of which could result in a LOT of water coming into your boat and could result in the need for an emergency haul out. My advice previously, and now, is not to attempt this task the first time with the boat in the water. Do it with the boat on the hard the first time and get a good sense of what is involved at every step of the way. After that, you may want to do this in the water and if so, you'll be a lot more confident of doing it successfully.
on this subject (may be in archives), I suggested caution. The Law of Unintended Consequences may apply. As with a number of boat tasks that you haven't done before, the difference between theory and reality may be dramatic. If all goes well and as preplanned, this may not be a difficult task. But it could be scary depending on a number of factors, all of which could result in a LOT of water coming into your boat and could result in the need for an emergency haul out. My advice previously, and now, is not to attempt this task the first time with the boat in the water. Do it with the boat on the hard the first time and get a good sense of what is involved at every step of the way. After that, you may want to do this in the water and if so, you'll be a lot more confident of doing it successfully.
Yes you can, but...
it varies in difficulty from boat to boat. If you can post what your type boat is and maybe a photo of the style of stuffing box someone can probably tell you the easiest way to do it. Not sure about the modeling clay; probably meant plumbers putty. We have done it a couple of times under sail and it worked pretty good. The way the cutlass bearing is set in the hull gives a little bit of a self bailing effect. The plumbers putty method works well also but I would not do it myself with the boat at the dock, to many owner careless with power cords and holding tanks.
it varies in difficulty from boat to boat. If you can post what your type boat is and maybe a photo of the style of stuffing box someone can probably tell you the easiest way to do it. Not sure about the modeling clay; probably meant plumbers putty. We have done it a couple of times under sail and it worked pretty good. The way the cutlass bearing is set in the hull gives a little bit of a self bailing effect. The plumbers putty method works well also but I would not do it myself with the boat at the dock, to many owner careless with power cords and holding tanks.
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