Our 36 has 800 hours on the engine. The prop shaft packing has never presented a problem…maybe requiring one or two adjustments per season. I typically adjust to 2-4 drips per minute with the shaft spinning. The box is typically only slightly warm to the touch with the shaft spinning. The shaft is stainless and the packing is Catalina OEM from 2005….probably flax with wax. I know there are a lot of variables involved , but does anyone have a rule of thumb for the service life of packing….or info on what to look for when its approaching end of life?
—
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
[url]http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box&page=3[/url]
Visit the page above.
I replaced my stuffing box and the flax with Type GTU. I have no dripping at all - or very little. I used to have to constantly remove about a quart of sea water from the bilge every few days even if I did not use the boat. I tried to tighten the nut but it was seized. Excessive force allowed the rubber hose to rotate as well. So I hauled it out and replaced stuffing box, flax, propeller shaft and shaft coupler and cutlass bearing.
The Flax is Duramax Ultra-X Gore GFO 1/4"
The rubber hose needs to be replaced every 10 years.
Haro Bayandorian, 1999 C36 MKII, Sail La Vie #1787, M35B,
Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA.
The answer is like reefing; "When you start thinking you should, then you should." It's very easy. Haro's link explains it all. I've used that material and it is by far the best I've used. I bought a LOT, enough for the next five years. I usually go two or three years between repacks.
This includes that link to MS's article posted by Haro.
[url]http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Stuffing_box[/url]
Stu Jackson, C34IA Secretary, C34 #224, 1986, SR/FK, M25 engine, Rocna 10 (22#)
I agree with Haro. I have similar and have had no leaks at all after a year. Have not even had to tighten the nut yet.
Ben Ethridge
Miami, FL
1984 MK1 Hull# 263