Backup Stern Tube seal

[DSCMEARL]

Is there a product out there that acts as a backup for a stuffing box. In case too much water drips through the packing or there is a larger failure. I think something like this would be a good safety feature to have on a boat.

[gonzo]

Stuffing boxes generally don't have catastrophic failures. They start leaking more through time. Dripless seals do fail suddenly

Yes.

Its called a


BUCKET

SailorScared.com


















or you could use one of these like I have on my boat

[DSCMEARL]

Wicked Good,

I see that is made by Lasdrop. What makes that different from a conventional stuffing box.

[Landlubber]

If you feel the need for a backup when using mechanical seals, then simply put the standard packing box onto the log, machine down the inboard end to accept the rubber hose for the mechanical seal, then add the mechanical seal as per standard, this way the packing can be pulled up if the need arises and the mechanical seal will work perfect just the same...I have done this from new build for one owner, no worries.

The carbon ring mechanical seals like PPS for instance do spray a slight mist after a while, simply make an acrylic cover for the area around the seal, like a U shaped bridge, and silicon it to the bottom of the boat, no more mist sprays..I do this for EVERY installation now, solves the problem before it starts.

[DSCMEARL]

Landlubber,
thats an interesting approach. Do you have a lot of experience with a PSS. I didn't realize they start to spray water after some time. Do you like a conventional stuffing box or the PSS.
Kindly,

[Landlubber]

...yes I have used the PSS brand (and still do, it is the brand of PPS that i use....)

I would prefer them any day to a dripping shaft seal...there should never be water in the bottom of a boat.....just remember to install a simple mist shield over the seal area.

[sdowney717]

gore GFO marine packing runs cool with no drips in the packing gland.
http://www.emarineinc.com/index.php?cPath=49
It is really nice packing.

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box&page=3

You should also consider a means of keeping the shaft from exiting the boat if it slips out of the coupler.
Perhaps seat clamps or another shaft zinc on the shaft in front of the packing nut.

[michael pierzga]

Originally Posted by Landlubber

If you feel the need for a backup when using mechanical seals, then simply put the standard packing box onto the log, machine down the inboard end to accept the rubber hose for the mechanical seal, then add the mechanical seal as per standard, this way the packing can be pulled up if the need arises and the mechanical seal will work perfect just the same...I have done this from new build for one owner, no worries.

The carbon ring mechanical seals like PPS for instance do spray a slight mist after a while, simply make an acrylic cover for the area around the seal, like a U shaped bridge, and silicon it to the bottom of the boat, no more mist sprays..I do this for EVERY installation now, solves the problem before it starts.

Very good advice from Landlubber. I just saw this arrangement on a continious duty harbour taxi.