Has anyone dove under the boat and temporarily plugged the prop shaft hole to stop water from entering while repacking a stuffing box ? If so, what material did you use.
Ron again with related question
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Ron, You do NOT need to do that. You can replace the stuffing box material while in the water. If you're paranoid, then tape a plastic bag over the stern tube inside the boat.
Hi Stu. After 25 years of seeing things go wrong trying to do repairs on my boats, including ones done by mechanics, I have earned the right to be paranoid. If there is any chance that I cannot pump water out, faster than it flows in, then I will take every precaution to not sink at my slip 
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Of course, it's your boat, your choice.
But you asked the ? and you really do NOT have anything to worry about. The amount of water that gets in is tiny and your bilge pump doesn't even get a workout.
Here's something I wrote a while ago, and also has a link to Maine Sail's discussion on stuffing boxes.
http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Stuffing_box
But you asked the ? and you really do NOT have anything to worry about. The amount of water that gets in is tiny and your bilge pump doesn't even get a workout.
Here's something I wrote a while ago, and also has a link to Maine Sail's discussion on stuffing boxes.
http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Stuffing_box
Ron, as Stu says, you can do it, but it can be a wet job. A few years ago I had the diver who does my bottom cleaning, stuff non-toxic modeling clay around the shaft. It keeps the water out while you work on the stuffing. The only caveat is that you can NOT allow the shaft to turn while You work. Lock the shaft from turning and take time to change the packing. When you turn the shaft, the clay falls away, and you are on your way with new a (nearly?) dripless system...
Stuffing box changeout
Also, Ron, I've changed mine 3 or 4 times in the past 13 years. All in the water. The first time it took me over an hour. I've got it down to a science by now.
Boat's still floating.
And it does help if you can turn your prop shaft. An inside bag will do the trick, I think it was included in the link I gave you earlier.
Also, Ron, I've changed mine 3 or 4 times in the past 13 years. All in the water. The first time it took me over an hour. I've got it down to a science by now.
Boat's still floating.
And it does help if you can turn your prop shaft. An inside bag will do the trick, I think it was included in the link I gave you earlier.
Thanks Stu and Catskip. My diver is not available, so I will try the inside method. Fortunately, I can get two people in the bilge area to work, so one can remove the nut while I apply the plastic. I have an exercise elastic band that might work as well.. It is about 6" wide and 5' long.....should get a good seal with the stretch. I might have to wait until next week to try.
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