Stuffingbox leak?

[Rob Hindman]

I continue to have water trickling from the stuffing box area down into the bilge. I've repacked and tightened the packing nut until there is no dripping, but continue to have water under the box. The box is dry to touch. I can't see or feel any water. Are there other possible sources of leakage or should I continue to work on stuffing box? Thanks and good sailing!

[Duncan Maio]

Are there other possible sources of leakage or should I continue to work on stuffing box?

Water could be leaking in around the hose that connects the stuffing box to the shaft tube - tighten the hose clamps, look for small leaks in the hose itself, etc. If the hose is badly worn, cracked, or distorted, you might think about replacing it (after haulout).



dmaio@att.net

[D. Stump, Hanalei]

Rob,

I don't know if this will help or not, because I don't know if the CD-33 had the same type of shaft log as on my CD-30, Hanalei. The CD-30 was built with a fiberglass shaft log! It was essentially a fiberglass tube, flush with the outside of the hull at the cutlass bearing, and extended a few inches inside the hull. Attached to the inner end of the log is the stuffing box. Due to misalignment and vibration, the shaft log eventually cracked. Luckly, it didn't crack much, this could have sunk the boat! But, I would think that if you feel that the stuffing box is adjusted correctly, the next thing to check is that shaft log! If it is the log, PULL the boat! Hanalei's was replaced with a red brass shaft log that is much stronger and has given no problems. I don't know what this costs, or exactly how it was done, as we didn't own her at the time. Good luck, hope it turns out to be something minor, like bad packing!

Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
Hanalei (Noank, CT)



stumpdg@gwsmtp.nu.com