Stuffing Box

[George Borgos]

Near the end of last season I noticed the stuffing box on my 1976 Hunter 27 began to leak. I planned to replace it before launching this season. Looking in the boat store I see various sized flax from 1/8" to about 1/2". However in the boat I see what looks like a pad held in place by two clamps. Am I looking at the wrong thing or is this a cover that I should remove? Also does anyone know what size flax I would need?Thanks

 

[Richard Marble]

My 1981 Hunter 27

Takes 3/16 hemp I don't know what your looking at though.

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Size matters

Check with the yard or ships store after you measure the diameter of the shaft. Just one click off will create constant leaking. If the shaft is 1-inch, probably 3/4-inch is what you need. But check.

 

[Roland]

George, you most likely have a 1" shaft and your stuffing box most likely will need 3/16" stuffing like on the h30s. Use the teflon coated stuff. See the archives. What you are looking at is, in all probability, the flex hose that connects the shaft log to the stuffing box. If this is in good condition, do not remove it as you will flood your boat.If you are still out of the water, this is a good time to replace it if it is worn, cracked, or split. It should, however, have two clamps on each end. If one goes, you still have protection from water coming in. The rule is, two clamps on any hose leading to the outside of the boat.-Rolands/v Fraulein II