Stern gland packing

[chesapeake]

I have rcently purchased a 1982 Birchwood 29 Senator fitted with twin 1.8 BMC diesels.I need to repack the stern glands and would be grateful for any advice ie what size gland packing and the easiest way of fitting it...many thanks.

 

[mad_boater]

stearngland packing comes in many different thicknesses and lengths. when i did mine the boat was out of the water , you can add packing while in the water but not replace it all together. the easiest way of finding out what size packing to use is to take a sample piece from the gland and take it to a chandlers for size.there is quite a lot of difference in the sizes so its not hard to pick out the right one even if the old one is worn .you can hook the old pieces out with bent wire, making sure you do not scatch the prop shaft.when replacing the packing it must go right round the shaft and butt up very snugly, each time you put a piece in, the cut where it butts must be in a different place ie not on top of the one underneath.grease each piece as it goes in with waterproof grease tighten up the gland while turning the shaft. tighten it up till it stops the shaft from moving then loosen it off so you can move it by hand,when it goes back in the water check its not leaking then keep checking every time you use it at least untill you are happy with the seal.all steanglands are supposed to drip very slightly.on a personal note i think we may have mutual acquaintansces. check my profile. good luck with the job

 

[chesapeake]

Hi Ian,thanks for the info we indeed do have a mutual aquaintance in my daughter Gayle...happy boating Garry