Can anyone tell me what size flax I need for a cd27 stuffing box? This is our 2nd year with Chartley and are new to this message board. I have never done anything with the stuffing box but we are sure the previous owner did. Thanks glad we found you.
Cdchartley@aol.com
flax size for cd27
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Ed Rant
Re: flax size for cd27
Bob:Bob wrote: Can anyone tell me what size flax I need for a cd27 stuffing box?
According to the Cape Dory manual, all CDs use 1/4" waxed flax packing. BTW,they do not recommend a synthetic or Teflon packing.
Regards,
Ed Rant
cd27@txdirect.net
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Bob
Re: flax size for cd27
Thanks! How often might I need to replace this? What or who is BTW? I've not heard of it here in the NE.Ed Rant wrote:Bob:Bob wrote: Can anyone tell me what size flax I need for a cd27 stuffing box?
According to the Cape Dory manual, all CDs use 1/4" waxed flax packing. BTW,they do not recommend a synthetic or Teflon packing.
Regards,
Ed Rant
Thanks again-Bob
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Ed Rant
Re: flax size for cd27
Bob:
I apologize for being so lazy as to use a shorthand for "By The Way". As to when to replace the packing in your stuffing box, I would imagine it's time to replace it when it starts dripping excessively or has to be tightened so much that the stuffing box becomes hot to the touch in operation. You want it to drip a little when your prop shaft spins, say 1 or 2 drops a minute. Normally a powerboat would probably need to replace the packing (depending on amount of use)once every couple of years and a sailboat maybe 5 or more years. If you're having to re-adjust the box often it's probably time. Keep in mind that over time a flax packing can become compressed and hard enough to actually wear a groove in your prop shaft, which makes regular inspections during haul-out a worthwhile endeavor. If your at all unsure about how to go about servicing your stuffing box, I highly recommend a book like Don Casey's "This Old Boat" which covers this (and many other things) in excellent, down to earth style.
Regards,
Ed Rant
cd27@txdirect.net
I apologize for being so lazy as to use a shorthand for "By The Way". As to when to replace the packing in your stuffing box, I would imagine it's time to replace it when it starts dripping excessively or has to be tightened so much that the stuffing box becomes hot to the touch in operation. You want it to drip a little when your prop shaft spins, say 1 or 2 drops a minute. Normally a powerboat would probably need to replace the packing (depending on amount of use)once every couple of years and a sailboat maybe 5 or more years. If you're having to re-adjust the box often it's probably time. Keep in mind that over time a flax packing can become compressed and hard enough to actually wear a groove in your prop shaft, which makes regular inspections during haul-out a worthwhile endeavor. If your at all unsure about how to go about servicing your stuffing box, I highly recommend a book like Don Casey's "This Old Boat" which covers this (and many other things) in excellent, down to earth style.
Regards,
Ed Rant
cd27@txdirect.net