I understand that the stuffing box on my Columbia 8.7 can be repacked without hauling the boat. I do not want to tackle this task myself and everyone that I have contacted in the lake Lanier area says that the boat must be hauled to do this job. My question is : Do any of you know someone in this area that I might contact that can repack my stuffing box with the boat in the water? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jerry
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It can be done in the water, but these days...
No yard is willing to accept the potential liability risk of messing up and sinking the boat. However, just repacking the stuffing box shouldn't require a full haulout and set...just a "short haul"--iow, they just lift the boat out and leave it in the lift while they do the work. Last time I had it done on Lanier was at Aqualand...$45 for an hour out of the water (32' boat). If you're there when they lift it, it'll have the added benefit of giving you a chance to see what your bottom, prop, strut etc look like.
No yard is willing to accept the potential liability risk of messing up and sinking the boat. However, just repacking the stuffing box shouldn't require a full haulout and set...just a "short haul"--iow, they just lift the boat out and leave it in the lift while they do the work. Last time I had it done on Lanier was at Aqualand...$45 for an hour out of the water (32' boat). If you're there when they lift it, it'll have the added benefit of giving you a chance to see what your bottom, prop, strut etc look like.
no problem
I have repacked my stuffing box while in the water quite a few times. Just get an old bicycle tire inner tube and cut a rubber strip about two feet long and about two inches wide. When you've backed the stuffing box off wrap the strip around the area where the water is coming in and knot it to secure. If you do it tight enough no water comes in at all.
I have repacked my stuffing box while in the water quite a few times. Just get an old bicycle tire inner tube and cut a rubber strip about two feet long and about two inches wide. When you've backed the stuffing box off wrap the strip around the area where the water is coming in and knot it to secure. If you do it tight enough no water comes in at all.
No problem but,
AS a friend of mine learned dont strit the threads on the stuffing box on saturday aftenoon or it could make for a long weekend till the railway opens monday!
AS a friend of mine learned dont strit the threads on the stuffing box on saturday aftenoon or it could make for a long weekend till the railway opens monday!
It'll hold
Put the inner tube rubber back on. It'll hold if you don't start the motor! I guess your friend had to either pull the shaft or undo the coupling. The inner tube system is idiot proof -- nearly.
Put the inner tube rubber back on. It'll hold if you don't start the motor! I guess your friend had to either pull the shaft or undo the coupling. The inner tube system is idiot proof -- nearly.
repacking in the water
The packing in the stuffing box on my Cat 38 failed and the bilge pump way running every few minutes. I was having the bottom cleaned and while the diver was down, I had him use plastic modeling clay and pack it around the shaft as it exits the hull. I then carefully backed the gland nut and packing nut off WITHOUT TURNING THE SHAFT. No water entered around the clay. I repacked the stuffing box and adjusted it. All is well again. If You do try this method, be sure to NOT ALLOW THE SHAFT TO TURN. If the shaft turns, the clay can break free and water will enter. Not a disaster but a lot wetter.
The packing in the stuffing box on my Cat 38 failed and the bilge pump way running every few minutes. I was having the bottom cleaned and while the diver was down, I had him use plastic modeling clay and pack it around the shaft as it exits the hull. I then carefully backed the gland nut and packing nut off WITHOUT TURNING THE SHAFT. No water entered around the clay. I repacked the stuffing box and adjusted it. All is well again. If You do try this method, be sure to NOT ALLOW THE SHAFT TO TURN. If the shaft turns, the clay can break free and water will enter. Not a disaster but a lot wetter.
Here's the List @ Lanier
Jerry. If your looking for a list of mechanics at Lanier who may be able to tackle the problem here are a few. They are least worth a phone call. I cannot attest to the level of experience for anyone of these folks; however, they have been around for awhile and have probably seen it all on Lanier. Their business cards are at the major marinas. Freedon Sailing Services Mike Reynolds 678-386-7230 Let Somebody Else Do It Sailboat Marine Services Don Taylor 770/965-1197 Inland Marine Diesel Pat McCartin 404/513-4414 Remember that Aqualand will provide a "short haul" service for a pretty reasonable price if you have to pull the boat. They leave it up on the straps for an hour and put you back in for those type of repairs, thru-hulls, etc. Best of Luck Bob Cat 30
Jerry. If your looking for a list of mechanics at Lanier who may be able to tackle the problem here are a few. They are least worth a phone call. I cannot attest to the level of experience for anyone of these folks; however, they have been around for awhile and have probably seen it all on Lanier. Their business cards are at the major marinas. Freedon Sailing Services Mike Reynolds 678-386-7230 Let Somebody Else Do It Sailboat Marine Services Don Taylor 770/965-1197 Inland Marine Diesel Pat McCartin 404/513-4414 Remember that Aqualand will provide a "short haul" service for a pretty reasonable price if you have to pull the boat. They leave it up on the straps for an hour and put you back in for those type of repairs, thru-hulls, etc. Best of Luck Bob Cat 30
mine was done in the water
I recently had the stuffing box to my O'Day 28 repacked with a dripless material. I watched while he did it and not that much water even came in, about a gallon or so. It didn't come in nearly as fast as I thought it would. I thought it would gush but just kind of fast trickled and I easily got the water out with a shop vac. Trouble is, it still leaks even after he has come back and tightened it once. dave
I recently had the stuffing box to my O'Day 28 repacked with a dripless material. I watched while he did it and not that much water even came in, about a gallon or so. It didn't come in nearly as fast as I thought it would. I thought it would gush but just kind of fast trickled and I easily got the water out with a shop vac. Trouble is, it still leaks even after he has come back and tightened it once. dave
You need to know
Guys, You need to know how to access and service your own stuffing boxes. It's not a simple "out of sight out of mind thing." You need to figure out how it works, because when you need to know there'll be NO mechanic around. And it needs periodic adjustment, which requires you to look at it underway, to assure it's not too hot. Unless there's a real physical challenge for you personally, it's very simple, and can be done in the water. See the link. Since I wrote the link, there's a new drip less stuffing box material made by Marine, Gore Tex. Try www.emarine.com. Less expensive than the green goop. Stu
Guys, You need to know how to access and service your own stuffing boxes. It's not a simple "out of sight out of mind thing." You need to figure out how it works, because when you need to know there'll be NO mechanic around. And it needs periodic adjustment, which requires you to look at it underway, to assure it's not too hot. Unless there's a real physical challenge for you personally, it's very simple, and can be done in the water. See the link. Since I wrote the link, there's a new drip less stuffing box material made by Marine, Gore Tex. Try www.emarine.com. Less expensive than the green goop. Stu
Want an observer the first time
I agree completely, with a small caveat. I'm having the same issue with my "new to me" 1971 Coronado 35 on Lake Pontchartrain Louisiana. I have no doubt that once I've seen it done, I could do this myself; however, there is no way I'm going to attempt something like this myself without someone nearby that's more knowledgable to help if there's a problem, and to "show me the way." Many things are "simple" once you know how, but the possible results of a mis-step are just to great to takle "by the seat of your pants." I did print out the text from your article though, and will read it so I'm better equipped to learn from whoever decides they want to make a few bucks by doing this for me.
I agree completely, with a small caveat. I'm having the same issue with my "new to me" 1971 Coronado 35 on Lake Pontchartrain Louisiana. I have no doubt that once I've seen it done, I could do this myself; however, there is no way I'm going to attempt something like this myself without someone nearby that's more knowledgable to help if there's a problem, and to "show me the way." Many things are "simple" once you know how, but the possible results of a mis-step are just to great to takle "by the seat of your pants." I did print out the text from your article though, and will read it so I'm better equipped to learn from whoever decides they want to make a few bucks by doing this for me.
Sean, there's a hyphen in it
try this: http://www.e-marine-inc.com/index.html also is the link Stu
try this: http://www.e-marine-inc.com/index.html also is the link Stu
Jerry
Jerry, Call me 404-513-4414 Pat McCartin Inland Marine Diesel Buford, GA imd_ga@hotmail.com
Jerry, Call me 404-513-4414 Pat McCartin Inland Marine Diesel Buford, GA imd_ga@hotmail.com
No problem
I remember going through the "new to me process" & I still am going through it for other things. I looked up a few pics etc of stuffing boxes on the net e.g. http://catalog.com/bobpone/diyPackingGland.htm and I went to a store and saw how simple they are. The knowledge came in very very handy when the hose had deteriorated years later and let go of the stuffing box letting in some serious water. Peter
I remember going through the "new to me process" & I still am going through it for other things. I looked up a few pics etc of stuffing boxes on the net e.g. http://catalog.com/bobpone/diyPackingGland.htm and I went to a store and saw how simple they are. The knowledge came in very very handy when the hose had deteriorated years later and let go of the stuffing box letting in some serious water. Peter
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