Shaft Packing Gland tube/hose
- Thread starter Ken13559
- Start date
"Stuffing box hose" is as good a name as you'll find. Check here :
Re-Packing A Traditional Stuffing Box - Marine How To
The Stuffing Box (click any image to see a larger version) While digging around in some old boat parts boxes I found a stuffing box from an older sailboat. I though it would be a good time to rig it up
marinehowto.com
Ken, can you take a close up photo of your existing hose to show its condition ? I believe your boat is several years newer than my built in 1998 H-310 (as a 1999 model) and by the looks of mine, I could leave it for another 25 years without worries. I suspect the temperature of your water may accelerate the decomposition of yours.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,746
Term I’ve heard used is “Shaft log hose”.
Practical Sailor has this link and some graphic images.
www.practical-sailor.com
Practical Sailor has this link and some graphic images.
Stuffing Box Care - Practical Sailor
Since 1974, Practical Sailor’s independent testing has taken the guesswork out of boat and gear buying.
www.practical-sailor.com
Buck-Algonquin should be a reputable brand.
Greg
Changed mine last year and now it doesn't look "nice" like it used to. May be I just need to clean it. Brand is Buck-Algonquin.
Not trying to pick a fight with you NYSail, but if your stuffing box is adjusted correctly, and your engine, shaft and log are properly aligned, there should be virtually no torque on the hose. And, assuming your stuffing box is 2 - 3' below the water line, the pressure on the hose is a couple of PSI. But, as you say, "Would suck if it failed". Replace every 20 years or sooner if showing any degradation. As always, YMMV.
Last edited:
Well all of the hoses on our boats are that or less deep and in my mind if any one of them failed it would suck. As I said never heard of one failing but I have heard of many boats sinking in their slips when a below water fitting hose let go.
If an owner questions a hose I think it’s time to replace it. Just my opinion
Greg
If an owner questions a hose I think it’s time to replace it. Just my opinion
Greg
It's all that warm water that causes a build up of crud on the hose. If one year's service in the water has caused it to deteriorate that much :
I think that the concern is that if things out of adjustment…like the stuffing box gets too tight, gets hot, shaft seizes in the stuffing box and the hose rips, comes off the stern tube, or who knows what…and then the boat starts taking on water.
Or due to lack of attention, the hose rots like these drain hoses did…I concede that this was my fault for not paying attention and inspecting this drain…but if would have been my stuffing box hose…
Greg
It’s a Shaft Log Hose. Buck Algonquin is the best source. Order it on-line. Do not let anyone tell you that ordinary exhaust hose is acceptable for this use. Shaft log hose is much thicker and has more reinforcement than exhaust hose. It’s actually so thick that it takes a couple days to tighten down the hose clamps.
MAINESAIL says "Most references suggest replacing the rubber stuffing box hose every seven to ten years."
Seems like overkill, but they can rot out. Best to check them every year. I am in the Midwest, so only a 6-month sailing season….so maybe I can get 14-20 years!
I think that the old hose on Tally Ho was 30 years old before I replaced the old stuffing box for a new Volvo a Penta shaft seal.
Before…
After new shaft and new stuffing box hose…
After new Volvo shaft seal…
Greg
I agree. Check it every year. Mileage may vary. I’m not sure if our short sailing seasons help us though.
The shaft log hose I replaced on Dalliance nine years ago was a disaster waiting to happen; not just of unknown age, it was also thin walled like exhaust hose. The now nine year old Buck Algonquin hose still looks like new with no signs of dry rot at all. It may help that there’s really no UV exposure in the engine compartment, but rubber is also affected over time by exposure to heat, humidity, oxygen and ozone.
Seven to ten years sounds like a prudent general recommendation.
Last edited:
NO. The shaft log hose is subject to much different stresses than the exhaust hose. There will be more vibration and torque on the hose.
There is an article by Steve D'Antonio on Stuffing boxes and seals in the current issue of Professional Boatbuilder on this topic. You have to be a subscriber to read it, however, the subscription is free.
I agree with Dave…the exhaust hose isn‘t the right hose to use.
Could you get away with it for a while? I suppose…but not long term.
Greg
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,746
The Buck Algonquin hoses are 5 ply. The hose is 3/4” thick.
I’ve seen 2ply hose suggested that was 1/2” thick material.
If the motor & shaft are in alignment the hose pretty much just sits there holding water outside the hull. If something causes the shaft to wobble the hose will start to get a work out and water will try to enter the boat. Then it is only a matter of time.
Choose wisely.
I’ve seen 2ply hose suggested that was 1/2” thick material.
If the motor & shaft are in alignment the hose pretty much just sits there holding water outside the hull. If something causes the shaft to wobble the hose will start to get a work out and water will try to enter the boat. Then it is only a matter of time.
Choose wisely.