stern gland

[gaz]

I seem to have a very unusual stern gland fitted to my boat, and it's leaking. It has a bronze cup, fitted with a bronze ball and pipe. There is a hole drilled through the ball and the prop shaft passes through the ball and the pipe. The bronze ball is held in the cup by a spherical nut. The gland would have been fitted when the boat was built, approx 20 years ago. Presumably this arrangment allows for a slight misalignment of the shaft.
Any information regarding this type of gland, or how to get a good seal would be appreciated.

 

[discovery2]

Can you post a photo? It may be easier to recognise!

David

 

[gaz]

Thanks David -unfortunately i haven't a photo at the moment, but I'll try to get one - but it will be of the outside of the gland, so you wouldn't see much.