propellor shaft packing gland

[Bill Greenberg]

I'm getting more water accumulation in my bilge than I've ever had and suspect it might be from the propellor shaft packing gland although my boat has just been launched and I have only run the engine for five minutes. The boat is a 1991 Catalina 28 and I've never had leakage like this since I bought it 4 years ago. Anyone else had a similar problem? Have you had to have the shaft gland repacked or just have the tension increased on the packing? Bill Greenberg

 

[Peter]

Packing

Well, I'd normally say just tighten her up, but if you haven't changed the packing in 4 years I'd say you might as well re-pack. Yes, you can do it while she is in the water. There's lots about this in the archives.Peter

 

[Ken Juul]

Packing

It is most probably the shaft packing. I would recommend tightening the nut to stop the leakage. Then repack. I highly recommend the Goretex packing, installs the same as normal flax packing but is dripless. It is available on line or at most Boating stores.

 

[Brandon]

Fear Not

I had the same problem on my 84 C30. backed the packing nut off and used a dental pick to dig out all the old packing. Even when completely clear of all old packing, water ingress was minor. Definitely less than what a bige pump could pump out. Allowed me to take my time fitting, cutting and stuffing the new "rope" back in there. Put 3 pieces and staggered the seams. Now, I can keep my bilge nearly dry. Have fun.