I have 1985 catalina 30' with a M-25 engine. Has anyone put a dripless stuffing box in there Calalina 30'? Do you know the size that I will need or how to go about measuring what I need to measure?
PSS dripless stuffing box
- Thread starter jaydog5000
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They work great
Yes, I have one on my Catalina 30 and it really works great. I keep my boat in all year-long and it works well. I am not sure the size as its been several years since I ordered it. The most difficult part of the installation was removing the coupler form the shaft. After that it went right on.
Yes, I have one on my Catalina 30 and it really works great. I keep my boat in all year-long and it works well. I am not sure the size as its been several years since I ordered it. The most difficult part of the installation was removing the coupler form the shaft. After that it went right on.
dripless
Make sure you don't have one of those flexible rubber couplings that are designed to make up for slight variations in alignment as a dripless system won't work with one of those.
Make sure you don't have one of those flexible rubber couplings that are designed to make up for slight variations in alignment as a dripless system won't work with one of those.
OK I updated my web site...
I posted installation instructions below in another post but have now put the directions with photos here: http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/pss_shaft_seal I think what Larry was trying to say below is that on a Catalina 30 a PSS won't physically fit between the transmission flange and the stern tube if you are also using a Drive Saver. It's not that a Drive Saver can't be used with a PSS, it can & I've done it one two different boats, but there is just not enough physical room on a C-30 to fit both a PSS & a Drive Saver.. Maine Sail
I posted installation instructions below in another post but have now put the directions with photos here: http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/pss_shaft_seal I think what Larry was trying to say below is that on a Catalina 30 a PSS won't physically fit between the transmission flange and the stern tube if you are also using a Drive Saver. It's not that a Drive Saver can't be used with a PSS, it can & I've done it one two different boats, but there is just not enough physical room on a C-30 to fit both a PSS & a Drive Saver.. Maine Sail
Installed one last spring on my Catalina
I installed one on my '87 Catalina 34. I attached a link to the process I went through complete with pictures. And like the guy in the last post said.... P.B. Blast is an incredible product. One more thing I didn't mention. Once the boat is in the water 'burp' the seal. (squeeze it and make sure all the air is out of it before running the engine)
I installed one on my '87 Catalina 34. I attached a link to the process I went through complete with pictures. And like the guy in the last post said.... P.B. Blast is an incredible product. One more thing I didn't mention. Once the boat is in the water 'burp' the seal. (squeeze it and make sure all the air is out of it before running the engine)
Zaphro..
I just read you article and was concerned about your prop discussion. It is my guess that you based the prop being sized incorrectly on your tachometer? If not then don't worry about it. The tachometer's on a diesel engines are NOT accurate, at least I've yet to see one that is, as they are driven off of the field windings of the alternator and can vary at different RPM's due to different voltages at different RPM's. Unless you tested your max RPM with one of these: http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=16368&itemType=PRODUCT you may actually be over propped now. I have a photo tachometer and even the tach on my brand new 2005 is off at idle by 100 rpm's, 1700 rpm's by 175-200 and 2400 rpm's it's off by 250. I have calibrated it and this is the best that can be done. I actually have a sheet of paper with the actual RPM's at the stated tach RPM's so I can keep track of it. My guess is that possibly your three blade Michigan Wheel was the correct prop but that your tach is off. I don't think any boater with a diesel engine should be without a Photo Electric Tachometer! I picked mine up for around $65.00.. http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=16368&itemType=PRODUCT
I just read you article and was concerned about your prop discussion. It is my guess that you based the prop being sized incorrectly on your tachometer? If not then don't worry about it. The tachometer's on a diesel engines are NOT accurate, at least I've yet to see one that is, as they are driven off of the field windings of the alternator and can vary at different RPM's due to different voltages at different RPM's. Unless you tested your max RPM with one of these: http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=16368&itemType=PRODUCT you may actually be over propped now. I have a photo tachometer and even the tach on my brand new 2005 is off at idle by 100 rpm's, 1700 rpm's by 175-200 and 2400 rpm's it's off by 250. I have calibrated it and this is the best that can be done. I actually have a sheet of paper with the actual RPM's at the stated tach RPM's so I can keep track of it. My guess is that possibly your three blade Michigan Wheel was the correct prop but that your tach is off. I don't think any boater with a diesel engine should be without a Photo Electric Tachometer! I picked mine up for around $65.00.. http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=16368&itemType=PRODUCT
will check it out....
Thanks for the advice. I'll be checking it out. Didn't know that about diesels and their tachs. I have very little (none) diesel experience (it's on the list of stuff to teach myself), I had an atomic 4 in my last boat. Though the prop I installed was a 15x9 as recommended by the folks at Catalina. I won't be winning any races dragging those broader blades behind me, but if I wanted to go fast I wouldn't be riding a sailboat. It does seem to handle much better when manuvering around the marina.
Thanks for the advice. I'll be checking it out. Didn't know that about diesels and their tachs. I have very little (none) diesel experience (it's on the list of stuff to teach myself), I had an atomic 4 in my last boat. Though the prop I installed was a 15x9 as recommended by the folks at Catalina. I won't be winning any races dragging those broader blades behind me, but if I wanted to go fast I wouldn't be riding a sailboat. It does seem to handle much better when manuvering around the marina.
I put one in my 86...
....Catalina 30. Great product. I am now going to install one in my 36 probably next month.
....Catalina 30. Great product. I am now going to install one in my 36 probably next month.
That Picture!
Rod, you're killing me! You had to post that picture of such a clean installation. Every Spring I agonize over going drip-less and always talk myself out of it. It seems to work great, keep the boat clean and everyone I know who has converted is pleased with the outcome but when I think of all the split boots I've seen on automobiles and motorcycles through the years I'm not sure I could sleep at night. Probably only one in a million fail (don't know as I've ever heard of one failing that was properly installed) but guess who would get that one. I'm envious. Great job /post!
Rod, you're killing me! You had to post that picture of such a clean installation. Every Spring I agonize over going drip-less and always talk myself out of it. It seems to work great, keep the boat clean and everyone I know who has converted is pleased with the outcome but when I think of all the split boots I've seen on automobiles and motorcycles through the years I'm not sure I could sleep at night. Probably only one in a million fail (don't know as I've ever heard of one failing that was properly installed) but guess who would get that one. I'm envious. Great job /post!
Mking, That is what they are supposed to look
like. They are great, In the spring at launch I "burp" the seal and let a little water into the stern tube(they die early if they run dry) and the bilge dries out in a few days. After that I clean the bilge with a dust rag. Rod's installation appears to be for a shaft speed in excess of 1200 RPM hence the little tube connection.
like. They are great, In the spring at launch I "burp" the seal and let a little water into the stern tube(they die early if they run dry) and the bilge dries out in a few days. After that I clean the bilge with a dust rag. Rod's installation appears to be for a shaft speed in excess of 1200 RPM hence the little tube connection.
MKing..
The difference between a PSS boot and a CV boot on a car is the the CV boot on a car is spinning at 70mph, through temp extremes, road salt, road tar/oil and has to rotate and turn a the same time. A PSS bellows does not spin, rotate or turn & is stationary. It's also Kevlar reinforced something the rubber hose on a traditional stuffing box or a CV boot is not! Both systems, the PSS and the traditional stuffing box, are connected to the hull with a rubber hose so I don't get the argument at all. If anything I'd trust a hose reinforced with Kevlar over one without. According to Boat US one of the most common causes of sinking, when dealing with insurance claims, is a leaking or weeping stuffing box! PSS's don't leak.... I have a friend who's boat was badly damaged because the packing nut on his stuffing box backed off when he put his boat in reverse to back into his slip. Two hours later the marina called.... Anything on a boat can fail and the traditional stuffing box is more prone to leaks than a PSS and both need to have the hoses replaced periodically. The PSS however will not ruin your shaft by wearing a groove in it...
The difference between a PSS boot and a CV boot on a car is the the CV boot on a car is spinning at 70mph, through temp extremes, road salt, road tar/oil and has to rotate and turn a the same time. A PSS bellows does not spin, rotate or turn & is stationary. It's also Kevlar reinforced something the rubber hose on a traditional stuffing box or a CV boot is not! Both systems, the PSS and the traditional stuffing box, are connected to the hull with a rubber hose so I don't get the argument at all. If anything I'd trust a hose reinforced with Kevlar over one without. According to Boat US one of the most common causes of sinking, when dealing with insurance claims, is a leaking or weeping stuffing box! PSS's don't leak.... I have a friend who's boat was badly damaged because the packing nut on his stuffing box backed off when he put his boat in reverse to back into his slip. Two hours later the marina called.... Anything on a boat can fail and the traditional stuffing box is more prone to leaks than a PSS and both need to have the hoses replaced periodically. The PSS however will not ruin your shaft by wearing a groove in it...
Ross Call PYI
and have them send you the updated vent. ALL PSS's are now the high speed version and they no longer sell a low speed. For a while they were sending out the carbon rotor with the vent free of charge to update customers with the previous slor speed version. There is now no burping, ever, and it always gets good lubrication! This is my third boat with a PSS and won't be the last..
and have them send you the updated vent. ALL PSS's are now the high speed version and they no longer sell a low speed. For a while they were sending out the carbon rotor with the vent free of charge to update customers with the previous slor speed version. There is now no burping, ever, and it always gets good lubrication! This is my third boat with a PSS and won't be the last..
Okay
Mine does not weep or leak (GFO packing), I check the lock nut regularly and the factory rubber connector appears more substantial than the bellows but the fact remains that I've been lusting after a drip-less and I think you guys just pushed me over the edge. This Spring is it... Thanks, I think. 70mph---slower traffic keep right.
Mine does not weep or leak (GFO packing), I check the lock nut regularly and the factory rubber connector appears more substantial than the bellows but the fact remains that I've been lusting after a drip-less and I think you guys just pushed me over the edge. This Spring is it... Thanks, I think. 70mph---slower traffic keep right.
Upgrade
...Ross, I had something like 1000 + hours on mine and ten years. The factory suggested only a bellows replacement. I replaced it on haul-out and the old one was in perfect shape. I kept it as a spare. There isn't anything wrong with the old design; you just have to remember to burp the seal when launching. I can understand why they gave up on this simple procedure. Just recently, I asked the yard guys twice to remember to burp the seal or remind me to do so when the boat was splashed. Of course they didn't, so I burped it.. Geesh. RD.
...Ross, I had something like 1000 + hours on mine and ten years. The factory suggested only a bellows replacement. I replaced it on haul-out and the old one was in perfect shape. I kept it as a spare. There isn't anything wrong with the old design; you just have to remember to burp the seal when launching. I can understand why they gave up on this simple procedure. Just recently, I asked the yard guys twice to remember to burp the seal or remind me to do so when the boat was splashed. Of course they didn't, so I burped it.. Geesh. RD.
Rick, I have an enviable installation. I can crawl
around my engine and sit behind it to work on the drive train.. It is a tight fit so I watch my weight but at the summer of my 68th year I can still get in there and back out without help.
around my engine and sit behind it to work on the drive train.. It is a tight fit so I watch my weight but at the summer of my 68th year I can still get in there and back out without help.
Good for You, Ross...
...I have real good access, so I can't complain, even though I too am in my 60's. However, getting out of my wife's Miata isn't nearly as easy as when it was new (and I 14 years younger). Keep it up; it keeps you young (or at least challenged to act that way....). Rick D.
...I have real good access, so I can't complain, even though I too am in my 60's. However, getting out of my wife's Miata isn't nearly as easy as when it was new (and I 14 years younger). Keep it up; it keeps you young (or at least challenged to act that way....). Rick D.
Good for You, Ross...
...I have real good access, so I can't complain, even though I too am in my 60's. However, getting out of my wife's Miata isn't nearly as easy as when it was new (and I 14 years younger). Keep it up; it keeps you young or at least challenged to act that way....). Rick D.
...I have real good access, so I can't complain, even though I too am in my 60's. However, getting out of my wife's Miata isn't nearly as easy as when it was new (and I 14 years younger). Keep it up; it keeps you young or at least challenged to act that way....). Rick D.
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