Stuffing Box & Cutlass Bearing

[Plymouth Sailor]

Does anyone know how to perform a simple test to ensure all is well with the prop assembly, i e significant water intrusion?

 

[dlochner]

Visually inspect the cutless bearing for wear and move the prop shaft. There should be very little lateral movement.

The stuffing box needs to be in the water. If it leaks and tightening doesn't reduce the dripping then it needs repacking.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Does anyone know how to perform a simple test to ensure all is well with the prop assembly, i e significant water intrusion?

You really can’t be confident at the integrity by just looking. If in doubt, take it apart and repack. In most boats, it’s pretty easy after which you will have one less thing to wonder about.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Simplest method would be to run your boat at cruising speed and see what happens. Should drip maybe a drop or two and the nut should not be above body temperature.

When stopped, the shaft should not drip at all (in a perfect world ).