Stuffing Box Question

[Charles]

A friends boat Pearson 27 was launched yesterday and now the stuffing box is leaking badly even when the shaft is not spinning.The boat was out for a bottom job for 4 weeks and when putting the boat on the trailer, the prop shaft zinc very gently bumped part of the trailer. There is no vibration at all rpms in gear, everything seemed normal.I have heard of the packing material in the stuffing box getting dry and leaking, could the combination of the two events caused more leaking?I always thought that in the absence of the owner, the person launching a boat should check/adjust the stuffing box and all seacocks.What do you think?

 

[Ron]

Yes Sir

Yes..The stuffing box should have been adjusted when the boat went in the water.. BUT... it's not too late. Just get in there and adjust it now. If the packing has to be replaced you can do it in the water. There is only .040 to .060 clearance between the staff and the tube so not that much water will come in while you are working on it. Besides, it will be good practice for you should you ever come up against that problem in deep water. Have at it... We have faith in you... Ron/KA5HZV

 

[Rob Rich]

Make sure you have two big wrenches

Here is what I would do. I would either take the boat back to the marina, or have the marina send a mechanic to the boat while in the water and have him/her adjust the packing nut.More importantly, I would be there to "offer assistance" (or in other words be there to learn from the mechanic how to do it). It looks a little daunting but is quite easy.According to my surveyor, the box should drip 7-10 times per minute while turning, and 1 to 3 times per minute while stationary.I have used a monkey wrench and an oversized crescent wrench, as you have to twist one nut and hold torque on the other. Best Regards,Rob Rich

 

[Ron]

Special Wrenches

Rob.....That's exactly how I learned. Cost me $40, but not anymore. There is a wrench you can buy at most of the boat stores for this task. I think I paid $6 or $8 a piece for them. You can adjust the wrench for the size you want, then lock it in. It takes two wrenches, but they are much easier to use than the pipe wrench. Ron/KA5HZV

 

[D. Young]

Go dripless!!

It's also not too late to add a dripless system. I recently added one and I have found peace of mind , especially since I leave it on a mooring. I almost lost her once due to the packing giving out,and wearing the battery(bilge pump) out .YIKES!!! I luckily caught it in time.