Shafted by my stern tube

[jav301]

Long story but because I was unhappy with my present stern gland -which was a creative and dodgy bodge I’m replacing my propshaft and coupling to get more room for a better stern gland.

I keep the boat on a drying mooring and what I wanted was a burp-free lip-seal gland like the Radice or MMP. The problem I’ve now found is that my stern tube at 47mm outside diameter is to big to fit one of those for a 25mm shaft. So it looks like I’ll either have to have a face-seal gland (which I’d rather avoid) or an old style stuffing box- which will be surprisingly expensive and may leave me with a wet bilge. Any ideas, either for a more accommodating lip-seal or another solution would be welcome. Thanks for all suggestions

 

[Tranona]

Have a look at Tides Marine Seriesone which has a lip seal in a housing attached with a hose to the stern tube. Hose available in a wider range of sizes up to2 1/4". Has facility for a positive water feed.

Available from www.lakesterngear.co.uk

 

[jav301]

Thanks, that looks possible. Funny that it wasn't suggested by my suppliers although they do sell them. Do you know if it relies on positive water feed to the little spigot ar can that just be led above the waterline like on the Radice?

 

[Tranona]

Don't know specifically, but assume if it is aft of the seal as in the Radice can't see how a vent would not work.

You don't say what your stern tube is, but if it is removable you may be able to get it machined down to take the 42mm Radice. That is what I did with the housing of a Stuart Turner stern tube.