Stuffing Box

[lehighsail]

I am planning on repacking my stuffing box on my Hunter 290. Any suggestions on what the current thought is on the type of material to use or the size. I have reviewed the pbase "how-to" and it seems do-able even if some contortions are needed. I would appreciate any advice.

 

[Stu Jackson]

This is one I wrote in 1998 or 9, also includes a link back to Maine Sail's article.

http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Stuffing_box_packing

The size? This depends on your boat - the diameter of the shaft and the box you have - pretty easy to measure.

 

[quadrille38]

I did a repack for the first time on our 38. Went from the factory flax packing to Goretex as a way to get a drier bilge. Was very nervous about the whole thing worried that I'd get it too tight enough and scorch the shaft or too loose and sink the boat.

Turned out that its not that hard. First go to the web site on Goretex shaft packing. They had excellent step by step instructions.

Biggest thing is DO NOT overtighten after the new packing is in.
Very happy with the Goretex - just a tiny bit of moisture when the shaft turns, shaft stays cool, and best of all, the only water in the bilge is from the air conditioners.

 

[Tom Spohn]

Have you considered a dripless fitting? They really work and no more drips into the bilge.