Stern gland advice please.

[Falling Star]

While the boat is ashore it occurred to me that it might be wise to replace the stern gland hoses as both have signs of cracking. Please see pic.

I've never done this before and I wonder if I should also replace the packing? There are no drips (which may be wrong..... perhaps there should be?)

 

[SailSouth]

certainly worth replacing the reinforced hose as you can see some evidence of cracking/perishing. It may not need re-packing - if you have no issues with it I would leave well alone (other than replacement hose).

 

[Skipper_Christoph]

While the boat is ashore it occurred to me that it might be wise to replace the stern gland hoses as both have signs of cracking. Please see pic.

I've never done this before and I wonder if I should also replace the packing? There are no drips (which may be wrong..... perhaps there should be?)

Which two hoses do you refer to? I only see one with cracks. Or is the reinforced clear hose cracking too?

 

[Tranona]

Make sure you use the correct hose available from specialists such as ASAP, T Norris or Lake Engineering. As you have to take the stuffing box off worth dismantling cleaning and repacking.

 

[Falling Star]

Which two hoses do you refer to? I only see one with cracks. Or is the reinforced clear hose cracking too?

Twin engines.

 

[pvb]

Twin engines.

Do you still have the Skilso 975 listed on your profile?

 

[VicS]

Twin engines.

As Tranona says you will have to remove the stuffing boxes . While you can have them off is the ideal time to pull out the old packing and to repack on refitting.

 

[Falling Star]

Do you still have the Skilso 975 listed on your profile?

No. Sold that one. Sorry, I should have changed the profile before.

Have now made the edit to the latest boat which is a Broom 345 OS.

 

[Spyro]

Now you have the advice you have the fun of getting the shaft free from the coupling and hopefully you can slide it back far enough to get the new hose on. It all sounds so simple. I'd get the new hose direct from the manufacturer. http://www.portmererubber.co.uk was my choice and I'd use them again.

 

[Caer Urfa]

Try not to cut the rubber when you are taking it off as don't forget you need to have the measurements ready of the old seals before you phone to order, Length and i/d. they usually have a 10 mm wall
and whatever you do do NOT use normal rubber hose, stern gland rubber has a different shore hardness.

Looking at those cracks you have been living on borrowed time

 

[LoneHort]

Hi FallingStar,
Just going through the same process here on a Salar40. Having pulled the shaft i'm replacing the lot , packing, stern gland hose & cutlass bearing as the previous owner and the previous yard cannot recall when it was done last. Mine looks a lot less worn than yours and I estimate it is 20 years old!

 

[Falling Star]

Thanks to everyone for the advice.

 

[Neil_Y]

If it's conventional packing it should drip whilst the shaft is turning, if it's not dripping it can get too hot. Water is the coolant and lubricant in the packing so it should be wet.