Stuffing Box Hose

[hilbert]

I'm trying to tie up loose ends on the bottom of the boat and one of the remaining tasks is re-packing the stuffing box.
I checked Maine Sails Compass Marine How To Articles for something on the topic and bingo, another informative and well thought out article. Thank you Maine Sail!
But, why do you force me to look beyond my blinders to the condition of the stuffing box hose?
Is a 20 year young hose to be scorned? If I am able to remove the shaft without damage, then will I find that the engine mounts need replacement? Where will this end? Have you no pity for fools who purchased old boats?

My question to the community is how many tackle the job of replacing a stuffing box hose because because of age? Do others inspect the hose and say OK for another year? And how many just say "hose, what hose"?

[Neil Gordon]

>>Do others inspect the hose and say OK for another year? <<

The thing about stuffing box hose is that it comes with it's own "you should have replaced this yesterday" indicator.

[Jim Walsh]

I decided to go with a dripless shaft seal several years ago. I had my yard do the job and asked that all components be returned to me. The hose was original and had a spiderwebbed surface appearance. The hose was in fine shape, durable, flexible, and would likely have lasted another 25 years. The problem is you have to destroy it to find out if it's still good or not.

[Maine_Buzzard]

Half the time, it's that the clamps that have rotted away or you only have one on each end.

If you don't remember when it was replaced, it's probably a good time to replace it. If the shaft is out, it's $100 and a few hours. Cheap insurance for probably the least robust hole in the boat...

[oldragbaggers]

If I am not mistaken, this is the one Don Casey calls the "sink your boat hose." We replaced ours while our engine was out, even though the one we took off seemed tough as nails.

[hilbert]

If I am not mistaken, this is the one Don Casey calls the "sink your boat hose." We replaced ours while our engine was out, even though the one we took off seemed tough as nails.

No question that I would replace this hose if my engine was coming out. However, I'm not yet ready to pull the shaft or engine to replace it.

[tjr818]

On some boats it was possible to pull the shaft from the aft end while leaving the engine in place. Then the hose could be replaced without having to remove the engine. Is that possible with a Cape Dory? Has anyone tried it?

[David van den Burgh]

And how many just say "hose, what hose"?

Yep. No hose with our setup. I realize that's of absolutely no help to you, but you asked.