Has anyone tried to turn their dripping stuffing box into drippless just using this new packing from Catalina? Seems way less expensive and amazing vs going PSS.
https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-by-boat/catalina-350/engine/props-et...
Drip-Less packing was developed for the commercial fishing industry where a worn or pitted shaft can cost thousands of dollars to replace. It is designed to conform to a damaged shaft with every revolution, so it is ideal if your shaft is pitted or scored. The packing and lubricant is so slick that it can be adjusted snug (never tight) with no drip, yet not damage or overheat the shaft.
Mark
Catalina 36' Mark 1 '86 hull 427
We've used it for 7 seasons and haven't had any issues. I adjust the stuffing box just to the point of occasional drip. The shaft runs comfortably warm.... not at all hot. I noticed it drips slightly just after the boat is launched and then virtually stops after motoring a bit. I suspect the hull flexes from being stored on the hard, slightly breaking the shaft seal, and then everything returns to normal after some motoring and the hull shape adjusts to the boat being in the water.
We also used it on our C30 for many seasons.
It's not 100% adjustment free, but requires much less fidgeting than the old wax based packing and dramatically reduces the amount of water entering around the shaft.
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
Great, thanks for sharing your experience as it definitely seems like a great option to stop the dripping!
Mark
Bit late on this thread but.....I had a b---h of a time repacking my stuffing box this winter and considered the drip-less. One factor that deterred me was that, from what I read, if you do have a problem while sailing it is very difficult to fix while at sea. The article mentioned this was a negative for off-shore sailors, which I definitely am not, but still it is a consideration.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ