Repacking The Stern Gland

[Guest]

I'm not technical enough to do this myself, just wondered what the procedure/cost is to have it repacked - does the boat need to be lifted to do the job, and can anyone recommend where to have it done. The bolts have been tightened up a couple or three times but its dripping fairly consistently so would assume it needs attendance....tia.

John.

 

[Hylander]

I am sure someone on here will have the know how as to what to do.        

[Happy]

1 hour ago, Jemaki said:

I'm not technical enough to do this myself, just wondered what the procedure/cost is to have it repacked - does the boat need to be lifted to do the job, and can anyone recommend where to have it done. The bolts have been tightened up a couple or three times but its dripping fairly consistently so would assume it needs attendance....tia.

John.

 

  Steve at Derby's Quay in Beccles used to do ours whilst the boat was still in the water.  If for some reason yours cannot be done afloat the do have a good slipway there.  Assuming he is still there as we left some years ago!

[Guest]

33 minutes ago, Happy said:

  Steve at Derby's Quay in Beccles used to do ours whilst the boat was still in the water.  If for some reason yours cannot be done afloat the do have a good slipway there.  Assuming he is still there as we left some years ago!

Thanks for the information, we are in Beccles Yacht Station for the weekend so will check it out.

[annv]

Hi John Yes t can be done while still in the water, FIRST check that the shaft is exactly in the centre of stuffing box if not the engine mounts will want adjusting they can settle after a long period,, or if you have a bearing/plumb box there will be no need, but still check, do you know what diameter you need there are three 1/4  5/16 3/8 if not undo front plate slide along shaft then with a small screwdriver or similar dig out the first ring ( the dripping doesn't normally increase then go and purchase a strip first you measure the diameter of the prop shaft say 1 1/2 inches treble this to= 4 1/2 times then the number of rings often three, so you need 13 1/2 plus a inch ie 15" off packing if sold loose or a pack of just over this it is good practice to have a spare pack, then when you have packing wrap the coil around shaft and cut of a length with sharp knife that will fit around shaft end to end exactly, repeat three times then get a piece of wood that is smaller in dia than the packing with a blunt end this is to push/ tease the packing into the tube without distorting it,  stagger the joints around shaft  then replace cover and tighten the nuts evenly until drip stops then undo 1/2 a turn start up put in gear or sail away for ten minutes then tighten to adjust the drips frequency, if you have a greaser don't grease until drip frequency is accomplished. John