Shaft Seals

[Stemar]

Jazzcat's PSS seals are getting tired and need replacing. They're over £300 each and I need two. I've every reason to believe the shafts are in good condition, so what are people's opinions about switching to Radice seals at around £100?

The boat lives on a drying mooring.

 

[rotrax]

Sixteen years with Radice/Orbitrade seals on two Island Packets. My hull under the seal is as dry as a Nuns crutch!

The Orbitrade is my favourite as it has a tube connection and a grease port. The tube connection allows an above waterline tube to be fixed, no need to bleed or burp after lift or drying out. The grease port allows annual greasing in seconds.

They are copies of the original Volvo seal. The Volvo Patent expired years ago.

One of the best boating accessories ever. IMHO, of course.

 

[Tranona]

I have had Volvo and later Radice seals for 30 years or so and would not have different from choice. Only drawback for use as replacements is the limited sizes for the stern tube attachment. On both my boats I had to machine the stern tube housing to suit. they are bronze and Lake Engineering did them as well as supplying the Radice seal. BTW don't think Volvo ever had a patent - their seals were made by Radice and I think it was just an "exclusive" deal originally.

 

[BabaYaga]

Jazzcat's PSS seals are getting tired and need replacing. They're over £300 each and I need two.

You may have good reasons for wanting to change type, but the only part a PSS seal that normally needs to be replaced is the bellows, which I believe is about one third of the price of the whole item.

 

[Stemar]

You may have good reasons for wanting to change type, but the only part a PSS seal that normally needs to be replaced is the bellows, which I believe is about one third of the price of the whole item.

The repair kits for the PSS seals are dearer than the Obitrade version of the Radice complete.

Thanks everyone, Obitrade it is

 

[Bobc]

I've used the Radice seals for ages, and they are brilliant. Go for it.