Replacing shaft packings in the water

[navigator336]

Have any of you replaced shaft packings while the boat is in the water? I won't need to haul the boat for bottom painting for another 2 years but one packing is nearing the end of it's adjustable range. My thought is to dive under the boat and press molding clay around the shafts were they penetrate the hull to create a temporary seal while I remove the old packing material and replace with new. Conceptually this seems sound (assuming I remember to remove the clay),but I may be overlooking something and there is probably a better way to do it. I would appreciate any tips on the best way to remove the old packing material given that I have limited clearance between the v-drives and the packing gland (abount 8 -10 inches to work with). I would also welcome thoughts on whether to use the old tried and proven flax based packing or the new teflon based materials.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[bob58]

Re: Replacing shaft packings in the water

Buy a packing puller (looks like a corkscrew with a spring shaft and "T" handle)<br />Buy a few feet of the same packing you have in the gland now.<br />Cut the packing so ends but together around the shaft.<br />Pull packing gland nut and remove 2 or 3 coils of your old packing.<br />Install 2 or 3 coils of new packing.<br />Reinstall Packing Gland Nut.<br />"DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN NUT"<br />You want to see a couple drips a minute with the shaft turning if you aren't using teflon dripless.<br />You are good to go until the next haulout and you can put whichever type you desire in then.<br />Your water intrusion will not be great as long as you leave the first coil of packing in the bottom of the gland.

 

[BillP]

Re: Replacing shaft packings in the water

I've done it many times and it doesn't take on enough water to bother anything...even on a 60' Chris Craft with lead packing and flanged glands. I've drilled holes and installed thru hulls, shafts and shaft logs below the waterline while boats were floating too. It isn't a big deal after the first time "fright" is over. Just cut and size the packing before pulling everything loose. If it worries you then have someone there handy with a bucket.

 

[airman]

Re: Replacing shaft packings in the water

With due respect to other posters I suggest running the packing a little wetter. About a drop every 5-10 seconds with the shaft not turning. The boats I'm working on now get literally thousands of hours out of a packing running 2500rpm all the time. Most recreational boaters would never wear out a packing at that rate. I'm with Bill though on not worrying too much about it. Just test the bilge pump before you start.

 

[navigator336]

Re: Replacing shaft packings in the water

Thank you all for your tips. I'll let a little water flow and not worry about the temporary clay packing.

 

[Ryoken]

Re: Replacing shaft packings in the water

i highly recommend the new GFO packings. we changed over a few years ago and we really like it for shafts. cuts better (personally, we do angle cuts) and lasts longer. we still use flax on rudders for cost efficiency tho as the GFO is pricey in comparison. <br /><br />and as stated previously, flax pullers are invaluable...