stuffing box flax

[Rick Harvey]

What size flax does Hunter recommend for a 81 37 C.

 

[Bob Miller]

Stuffing Box

Rick, I have a 37C also. What I'm about to say is offered only as a data point and many will say I've done a very poor job of maintenance. Anyway, I've owned my 37C for about 12 years (it was purchased used). I had NEVER adjusted the tightness of the stuffing box flax! A couple of months ago it did change from a rather quick drip to a steady flow (about a gallon an hour). The auto bilge pump handled the job. I was concerned, however. I procrastenated doing anything about it because the stuffing box nuts were corroded so bad I expected a nightmare of a job, including haulout. Finally, I tackled the job. With a little WD-40 and some big wrenches/vicegripes I broke them loose. It was really very easy. I tightened the flax to a point where the drips were about one every 10 seconds or so and all is well. I didn't have to haul the boat or put in new flax. Next year during my scheduled haulout, I do plan to replace the stuffing box with a PSS dripless shaft seal, however. Hope this helps.Bob MillerGusty GetawayEverett, WA

 

[Ed Schenck]

H37C Flax

When I purchased my H37C last fall I found a very small piece of 1/4" flax. So that is what I purchased and keep on the boat, just in case.But like Bob, as old as this boat is, a little adjustment controls the drip rate. Since I have not had to use any I am still not postive about the size.