What size packing on ODAY 37 with Yanmar engine?

[MIchigan Trasher]

I need to replace the packing when I relaunch the boat and I'd like to buy the packing before heading back to Florida.

 

[Olivier17182]

What about replacing it with a dripless box?

I am not sure about the size, but I will change the existing stuffing box with a dripless one when I haul out. I was happily surprised that it "only" costs approx. $200.Does anyone have experience with dripless stuffing boxes? Are they really trouble free?

 

[Jeff]

Replaced

I replaced my shaft seal with a dripless seal this year on my 1989 322. Only real problem was getting the hub off the shaft to install the seal.After that everything was easy and it works like a charm.Have heard that there is a Teflon packing material that is very good if you did not want to replace the seal.Good luck.Jeff

 

[Pat McCartin]

Dripless packing.

My observations are;overall it is a great invention.There are a few things to keep in mind. The set screws that hold the stainless ring to the shaft have been know to back out. Make sure you double the set screws AND keep the correct allen wrench close to the packing.Second, If you put the boat on the hard for the winter, "burp" the rubber boot to clear the water out. I've heard of boots freezing znd tearing over the winter.Pat McCartinInland Marine DieselLake Lanier, GA

 

[Ron10215]

Packless shaft seal

I've just replaced a too small stuffing box with a PSS shaft seal on my new (to me) 1980 28' O'Day. Looking forward to a dry bilge under the engine now.Before doing this I asked an old time yard manager in Key Largo what his experience and opinion was on these. He said they seem to work well in his experience unless the boat is going through muddy or dirty water, in which case it is possible for grit to get up the log shaft and wear the shaft seal. As we'll only be sailing the coool, pristine waters of the Gulf of Maine I took the plunge as I wanted to eliminate the risk of stuffing box maintenance and slow drip issues. - Ron