emergency fix for stern tube hose gland needed

[BurnitBlue]

Hi, considering that a failure of this hose can cause the vessel to sink, there is no information on an emergency procedure to stop the inflow for a "get you home" fix.

I was told some years ago that a wrap around bandage could be bought in a chandlers for the emergency spares kit but I have never come across such a thing.

Is there a temporary fix out there or is it glug glug time if the hose shears?

I hope someone can explain a procedure because my hose looks pretty old and it will be a winter haul out job to remove the propellor shaft etc and replace the hose. I wanna go sailing, its summer, and the hose could last a few years more ... on the other hand ...

Thanks.

 

[Tranona]

If you seriously think it is about to fail then replace it now. However, despite appearances they are pretty robust and if made of the correct material rarely fail completely.

 

[vyv_cox]

There's a link to the video of a Vetus stern gland being changed on the water under 'stern gear' on my website. It's only one step more from there to change a hose and packed gland.

Otherwise I suspect that Denso tape would do it. It isn't highly flexible but it is mouldable and waterproof. Horrible sticky stuff to handle but magic once it's on.

 

[BurnitBlue]

Denso tape. I've heard of that for other applications so I will ask around. I am in the Ionion at the mo so I suppose other yotties will know the greek name. Will access your web site. Many thanks.

Regarding changing the hose right now. That is good advise (advice?) and I will attempt to disconnect the prop shaft from the gearbox coupler in a few days. Problem is that it is close to 40 C and getting hotter and that area is very rusty so I anticipate a long job. I am desperate to get launched before I melt. So I will give it one shot then leave it for later if the coupler thing is is seized on the shaft.

 

[Salty John]

Carry a roll of non-adhesive self-fusing silicone compression tape, such as our Bandit tape. (Self-serving post alert!).
It's used to stop high pressure (up to 700 psi) leaks in water pipes, amongst other things.

 

[Spyro]

Carry a roll of non-adhesive self-fusing silicone compression tape, such as our Bandit tape. (Self-serving post alert!).
It's used to stop high pressure (up to 700 psi) leaks in water pipes, amongst other things.

I'm not sure if that's the same as self amalgamating tape but I would carry that for a temp repair. And if you are really worried and want to go sailing I would remove the jubilee clips wrap the whole lot in self amalgy (stretched before applying), cover with insulating tape, replace the clips and go sailing. I've seen telecoms joints under water for years that were wrapped in the stuff and inside was as dry as a bone.

Other temp repairs I have heard of is a length of bicycle inner tube cut into strips but I would think it would be more difficult to get a good seal

 

[Caer Urfa]

. So I will give it one shot then leave it for later if the coupler thing is is seized on the shaft.

You are on borrowed time my friend and 'when it goes' (not if) your going down or you will be pumping till the cows come home!

Many people do not realise the stern tube is probably THE most important fitting/hose on the boat, do you really want to go sailing knowing in your own mind it's not in good condition?

Also many people make the mistake and fit ordinary rubber hose, well there is
proper stern tube hose which is thicker, for example on my small 1" dia shaft the hose has a 3/8" wall, and should be double jubilee clipped both ends.

Suggest you fix it mate, it's your life not mine!

Mike

 

[Rowana]

Preventative maintenance

Is replacing this hose on a "time it's been there" basis someting to consider?

If so, how often do you replace it??

 

[Spyro]

Suggest you fix it mate, it's your life not mine!

Mike

A bit dramatic.
Stern gland hose failure = dying.

It's unlikely to shear unless the gland seizes so catastrophic failure is unlikely.

There are thousand of boats out there who's stern gland hoses look "pretty old"

 

[jfkal]

A bit dramatic.
Stern gland hose failure = dying.

It's unlikely to shear unless the gland seizes so catastrophic failure is unlikely.

There are thousand of boats out there who's stern gland hoses look "pretty old"

I second that (see my post on stern gland failures). There is a lot of scare mongering around the issue. But so far no one came up with a solid case of sinking due to stern gland failure whilst underway. Sinking at moorings are happening but not because of the catastrophic inrush of water but by trickle*weeks=sinking

 

[vyv_cox]

The video I mentioned above, and my own experience of changing the packing in a packed gland when afloat, shows that a rag wrapped around the end of the stern tube does a pretty good job of keeping the water out. Fine if the failure occurs when on board, and logically the stresses are much higher when the shaft is turning than when it is stationary, so failure when nobody is aboard seems less likely. Frequent monitoring seems to be good advice at present.

 

[BurnitBlue]

Thanks to all.

For what its worth, I agree that I should change it if I have doubts and that is the advice I would offer others.

However is is one thing to struggle with a seized and rusty coupling in glorious cool UK weather. It is another thing altogether to struggle with this in 40C.

I have only owned this boat a few month and I have been busy getting her up to snuff. I only noticed the stern gear a few days ago and my heart fell through my boots because it has already been bodged by using a split hose. Access is an upside down job in a very confined space. I am hauled out in a Preveza yard and in typical Greek fashion all the yards have their own mini chandlers for most used items certainly not stern gear stuff.

I have spent the last 14 years sailing in the Baltic so this heat and humidity is killing me. It is decidedly unhealthy.

Sorry lots of words but I am desperately trying to justify my decision to postpone the repair and set sail with an emergency kit aboard. After all I am only heading for the Levkas area and I will sail most of the way. So thanks for the advice about materials that I can carry on board (just in case). Just to recap, denso tape, self-amalgamating tape, bicycle inner tube, and Bandit tape.

Thanks all. By the way, PBO should do an article about emergency repairs to stern tube problems.

Tack igen

 

[Spyro]

So thanks for the advice about materials that I can carry on board (just in case). Just to recap, denso tape, self-amalgamating tape, bicycle inner tube, and Bandit tape.

Tack igen

And bicycle clips
But with that heat you might not be wearing long trousers