Shaft replacement

[John Killian]

The local yard is replacing the shaft on my 1982 Hunter 37 Cutter. They called to say that the metal tube that the shaft goes through to exit the hull, (the packing gland is attached to the tube on the inside of the hull), has corrosion and should be replaced. I have never heard of anyone doing this before. Anyone had any experience with this issue. Thanks John Killian

 

[Kevin]

Stern Tube

Hello John,That can be a common occurrence with metal stern tubes, ESPECIALLY if the boat sits in water for long extended times. Oxygen starvation is the resulting problem. This also holds true to through hull fittings/sea cocks. Good luck. Kevin

 

[Debra B]

Had mine replaced

My 1979 cutter - had it replaced 2 years back. The yard said "It was an accident waiting to happen." If this fails, it can be near impossible to stop the inflow of water. An ounce of prevention....

 

[J. Tesoriero]

Mine Broke!

This is the response to your same question in another forum.I also have a bronze stern tube/shaft log on my 1980 Hunter 30 - similar to what you described. The thing apparently broke some time ago and I had a major leak this spring. The yard said there were signs of long standing corrosion and possible damage from misalignment but no indications of electrolysis (pink). My yard had a hard time finding a replacement and finally had to have a new one machined in stainless steel. If/when it breaks, there is no way to stop the water. It bolts onto the hull, so why don't you remove it and give it a thorough inspection.

 

[J. Tesoriero]

Change it - Mine Broke!

This in my response to your same question in another forum.I also have a bronze stern tube/shaft log on my 1980 Hunter 30 - similar to what you described. The thing apparently broke some time ago and I had a major leak this spring. The yard said there were signs of long standing corrosion and possible damage from misalignment but no indications of electrolysis (pink). My yard had a hard time finding a replacement and finally had to have a new one machined in stainless steel. If/when it breaks, there is no way to stop the water. It bolts onto the hull, so why don't you remove it and give it a thorough inspection.