Stern Gland

[tubbsy]

Hi, I have just purchased a Beneteau First 30 and have been informed that she comes with a self packing stern gland fitted new in 2002. The questions I have are:

- How long should this last, I keep reading that Volvo only recommend 5 years - is that true?
- Do I need to do anything when the boat is re-launched such as expelling air? If so, how do I do this?

She has also not been used much for 18 months, can I expect some seeping to begin with?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Danny]

As it's a new gland I'd try and identify exactly what make and model and see if you can get the information you need from the manufacturer.

If it's a gland with packing (rather than a dripless seal) then it probably needs to drip about once every 30 seconds or so while the shaft is turning. If it's packed with a teflon packing then maybe it can run 'dry' w/o overheating.

Best thing is to see what happens. Check for drips/leaks. Check it doesn't get warm. Check if it has a greaser and make sure this has grease in it.

 

[tubbsy]

Thanks for the advice, I'll give that a go. Is there anything you would need to do when re-launching after a few weeks on the hard?

 

[Jonathanpaul]

Hi, I have a first 26 with a volvo gland. black rubber thing. If you do a search back on these forums your find information but all I do is squeeze some grease under the front of the lips from a plastic pack when the boats dry then vent it when she's in the water. by glently pulling it to one side or the other, the water will come in but its to get rid of any air. They are water lubricated.

 

[StugeronSteve]

Tubbsy, as stated above, the Volvo glands pretty much take care of themselves. Just squirt in some waterproof grease (preff the Volvo felt grease, which is supplied for the job) and give it a squeeze to burp the air out when in the water. My boat is coming up to 5 years old and I have asked the yard engineer about the longevity of these seals, apparently, if you keep the flanges greased and the seal clear of air, they will go on for many years than Volvo claim.

 

[DavidGrieves]

Hi

You can get spares here including the Volvo grease, only a couple of quid.

http://www.keypart.com/index2.htm

You can download a Volvo Penta drip seal manual here as a pdf file, follow the link to Volvo-Penta on the left hand side.

http://www.motoren.ath.cx

 

[tubbsy]

Thanks for all your help and advice.