Stuffing box service ?

[affinite]

Hi All
I have a conventional stuffing box on my Moody 44. She's been out of the water over winter so before I re launch in a couple of weeks time I was wondering what, if any, preseason servicing would be advisable. (My previous boat had a Volvo deep sea seal so all I had to do was "burp the baby" once in the water) - hence my ignorance
Thanks
Steve

 

[NickRobinson]

Derby? I work there....

Have you sailed this boat yet? If so, was there unreasonable water coming through the gland?

If so, you may want to nip up the stuffing box a little, lots of threads here how to do it without overdoing it.

It's not impossible to repack using teflon packing whie the boat is afloat.

If the boat is new to you, see if there is some free adjustment remaining or change packing before launch then readjust when afloat.

Nick

 

[vyv_cox]

I had a conventional stuffing box on my present boat for about 10 years, and both previous boats were equipped the same way. In the 10 years I only ever once nipped up the adjustment bolts and never did anything prior to launch. The previous two were never adjusted at all and definitely not prepared specially for launching.

As already said, worthwhile checking that plenty of adjustment remains before launching.

 

[Iliade]

You might wish to give a squirt of grease. Would normally be a screw-type greaser plumbed in somewhere...

I'd avoid tightening unnecessarily as it can wear the shaft prematurely.

 

[Spyro]

Good info here
http://www.tb-training.co.uk/10sgear.htm#bmn30