Changing stern gland packing afloat.

[c.crochet]

I need to change tee packing rings of my stern gland (Sadler 34). Due to advancing years (me and Jordina)) it may take more time than advisable. Has anyone tried to minimise water leakage during the fitting of new packing rings by sealing the stern tube to the prop shaft with rubber tape (self amalganating or similar) ,during this delicate operation, It would of course be removed later for adjusting the packing pressure. Any thoughts would be welcome.
c.crochet.

 

[SaltIre]

Is there any way you could get your prop shaft just above the water level for this? Deflate a rubber dinghy then reinflate it under the transom?
Vyv Cox has, or had, a Sadler 34 and has a great deal of info about stern glands on his website here: Stern glands

 

[179580]

The shaft log is usually pretty tight to the shaft behind the stuffing box. usually minimum influx and pretty controlable. Cut your rings prior to dismantle and flatten slightly with a hammer. You can always add a ring, not always necessary to unpack the gland.

 

[vyv_cox]

It is very straightforward to change packing afloat. Just wrap the gland with a rag during pauses. Ingress of water is minimal, easily controlled with your bilge pump.

 

[Tamar]

It's do able, i did mine last summer. 25 mm shaft.
No water came in until I guess I got the last ring out, and then it wasn't that much. I had the new rings cut and I had to hammer them to fit. You can always wrap a towel around the stern gland to stop the flow. Good luck

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Removing the old packing is not always easy; you need to have all the tools ready to pick the old compacted packing out. The water ingress is not a problem, I replaced mine in the water last year. You may not be able to remove out all the old packing rings, if so, just replace only the rings you managed to remove.

 

[c.crochet]

The shaft log is usually pretty tight to the shaft behind the stuffing box. usually minimum influx and pretty controlable. Cut your rings prior to dismantle and flatten slightly with a hammer. You can always add a ring, not always necessary to unpack the gland.

 

[c.crochet]

Many thanks for your help.

 

[c.crochet]

It's do able, i did mine last summer. 25 mm shaft.
No water came in until I guess I got the last ring out, and then it wasn't that much. I had the new rings cut and I had to hammer them to fit. You can always wrap a towel around the stern gland to stop the flow. Good luck

Thank you