Stuffing boxes and packing options

[Joel]

Have just purchased a 1977 Cape Dory 27. Before launching she needs a new cutlass bearing and perhaps shaft. While the yard is doing that, they'll readjust the stuffing box. The yard (a Brewer's yard) has suggested I consider a "last drop stuffing box" as an upgrade, rather than readjusting and repacking the old one. I've never owned or dealt with an inboard engine before, so this is all new to me. I'd appreciate an education from the readers of this board as to what my options are and your advice on the best way to go. What kind of box (including leaving the old one) ? What kind of packing ?

Thanks in advance,
JSS
s/v Baraka, Hull #44



joels@ids.net

[will parker]

I think your yard meant a "Lasdrop" dripless stuffing box. That's a brand name. Another which many people like is one made by a company called "P.S.S." You will find it described on page 340 of the current West Marine catelogue. You will also see a "drip-less moldable packing kit" on the same page. It is much cheaper than the Lasdrop or the PSS and appears to work just as well only with your conventional stuffing box.
Good Luck
Will
Jambalaya
CD 30

Have just purchased a 1977 Cape Dory 27. Before launching she needs a new cutlass bearing and perhaps shaft. While the yard is doing that, they'll readjust the stuffing box. The yard (a Brewer's yard) has suggested I consider a "last drop stuffing box" as an upgrade, rather than readjusting and repacking the old one. I've never owned or dealt with an inboard engine before, so this is all new to me. I'd appreciate an education from the readers of this board as to what my options are and your advice on the best way to go. What kind of box (including leaving the old one) ? What kind of packing ?

Thanks in advance,
JSS
s/v Baraka, Hull #44

whildenp@flinet.com

[Ken Coit]

JSS,

You will find lots of info in the message archives if you do a search or two. About 18 months ago I installed the "drip-less" moldable packing material described by Will. It works just fine as many others have attested. The problem with the more complicated methods is that they are much more expensive and they add additional failure modes below the water line.

I recommend you keep it simple.

Ken
S/V Parfait
Raleigh, NC

I think your yard meant a "Lasdrop" dripless stuffing box. That's a brand name. Another which many people like is one made by a company called "P.S.S." You will find it described on page 340 of the current West Marine catelogue. You will also see a "drip-less moldable packing kit" on the same page. It is much cheaper than the Lasdrop or the PSS and appears to work just as well only with your conventional stuffing box.
Good Luck
Will
Jambalaya
CD 30

Have just purchased a 1977 Cape Dory 27. Before launching she needs a new cutlass bearing and perhaps shaft. While the yard is doing that, they'll readjust the stuffing box. The yard (a Brewer's yard) has suggested I consider a "last drop stuffing box" as an upgrade, rather than readjusting and repacking the old one. I've never owned or dealt with an inboard engine before, so this is all new to me. I'd appreciate an education from the readers of this board as to what my options are and your advice on the best way to go. What kind of box (including leaving the old one) ? What kind of packing ?

Thanks in advance,
JSS
s/v Baraka, Hull #44

parfait@nc.rr.com