stuffing gland issues

[mikewhite7314]

I have a Hunter vision 32 which has developed a leak from the stuffing gland on the prop shaft.
At least thats what I think. water is coming in from the rubber boot around the prop shaft in the aft cabin under the bunks. Its the inboard end of the rubber boot where it butts up to a stainless steel plate that is held in place on the prop shaft with grub screws from what I can tell. The boot itself is not damaged visibly. I am looking for as much info as I can get on this as the boat is in the water and I would rather try and fix it in water rather than pull the boat out, and I don't want to sink it! apologies if I sound inexperienced....its because I am.
Thanks MW

 

[Ed Caldwell]

Mike, what you are describing sounds like a dripless shaft seal like this:

Could this be it?
Added comment: See also the reply on your other (duplicate) post in the hunter forum...

 

[Stu Jackson]

Standard stuffing boxes also have rubber hoses aft of the box (gland) itself.

Try Maine Sail's website: http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/boat_projects

and this with a link to another Maine Sail writeup:

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

 

[Scotty C-M]

If it is a dripless system (and it sounds like it is) they must be replaced about every 8 years. If it has not been replaced, I would haul the boat and do it. It is worth every penny. In fact, I just bought a new (to me) boat and had the unit replaced even though it looked good. Even though I try to DIY as much as possible, in my opinion, this is one for a good mechanic.

 

[Rick D]

Compression...

...are you still here?? If so, check the tension on the bellows. The collar will slide if you take out the upper set screws and loosen the bottom (they are piggy-backed). Move the collar back A BIT to add some bellows compression. That may do it.

Note: you should NOT re-use the same set-screws. Order them through PYI before you do this.

 

[mikewhite7314]

Thats exactly what I have. thanks all for your responses. I will try to compress the rubber boot temporarily before I haul it out (needs bottom job anyway). any idea on cost of replacements?

 

[Rick D]

You don't need to replace the whole thing. If you don't know when it was done last, probably a good idea to replace the bellows. See their maintenance kit. I'm thinking around $75 or so but that was a while ago.

http://www.shaftseal.com/en/about/shaftseal_maintenance_kit