Replacing stern gland packing whilst afloat?

[skyflyer]

Anyone tried this?

obviously there will be an in-rush of water once the old packing rings are picked out, but presumably a lot less than that from a removed speedlog transducer. If new packing is cut to size and ready to go it shouldn't bee too hard (!) to get a ring or two in place and the nut tightened up before the bilges fill up!

Rather than opinions on whether its a good idea or not - as we will all have different views - or, indeed long discussion as to why I want to do it or whether the boat should be hauled out etc., I am just wondering if anyone has actually done it?

Thanks

 

[Iliade]

Yes.

Wasn't a problem, but quod nusquam aliquis errabis?

 

[sarabande]

Your dog speaks Latin ?

 

[vyv_cox]

Done it several times, on two different boats. The 'inrush' of water is a lot less than you might think, as the annular space between housing and shaft is quite narrow. In each case my bilge pump coped with it very easily. If you need to wait a while after removing the old packing rings a rag around the gland will keep water out for a long period.

 

[MM5AHO]

+1

Done it several times, on two different boats. The 'inrush' of water is a lot less than you might think, as the annular space between housing and shaft is quite narrow. In each case my bilge pump coped with it very easily. If you need to wait a while after removing the old packing rings a rag around the gland will keep water out for a long period.

 

[VicS]

Anyone tried this?

obviously there will be an in-rush of water once the old packing rings are picked out, but presumably a lot less than that from a removed speedlog transducer. If new packing is cut to size and ready to go it shouldn't bee too hard (!) to get a ring or two in place and the nut tightened up before the bilges fill up!

Rather than opinions on whether its a good idea or not - as we will all have different views - or, indeed long discussion as to why I want to do it or whether the boat should be hauled out etc., I am just wondering if anyone has actually done it?

Thanks

A quick fix that will minimise the water in flow is to only replace the top ring of packing, unless the water pressure forces them all out of the housing

Do a complete packing renewal when next out of the water.