26 Cutwater packing gland ?

[BB marine]

I now have 145 hrs on our 2016 Cutwater 26. I have never adjusted the packing gland. There has always been a small amount of water in the bilge area under the shaft /packing gland area so I've always assumed the packing was dripping. If we get a heavy rain the water level will go up a small amount and I use my dinghies hand pump to pump it down and also pump the water out that is lying on each side of the tunnel at stern. We started our first segment of the Loop last week cruising 160 miles, 18 hr engine hours. When I was checking the engine, oil, belts...... I looked to see how much water we had taken on to see if it is time for a packing adjustment. The bilge was dry ! What ever water was in the bilge when we started was gone. Assuming it had evaporated from the heat in the compartment while running. I realize 2 to 3 drips a minute isn't much so it could be evaporating. I started the engine to see if it was dripping and didn't see any drips. I haven't opened the hatch while cruising to see. This particular packing gland I have never adjusted, I also don't want to loosen a gland that has been set for 145 hrs to get it to leak. I assume the water cool aspect of the gland is to cool the packing and also lubricate the cutlass bearing while underway, because of the type of shaft log the boat has. I pulled the boat a week before we left and inspected rudder, prop, shaft and cutlass bearing all looking like new. While I like having a dry bilge I don't want to score a shaft or burn up the packing because the packing gland adjustment is to tight. I also think if the adjustment was/is to tight the damage is done and I should be having issues which I'm not so far. I'm not well versed with this type of water cooled gland, I don't know what type of packing material is used so is this common to have a non dripping gland after 145hrs and should I have any concerns? Or should I be happy I have a good working packing gland?
Brian Brown
26 Cutwater
PORT-A-GEE

 

[knotflying]

As they say, "If it works, don't fix it". When stopped you should really have no drip. When in gear you should get about 1 drip every 20 seconds or as you said, about three per minute. It does get quite hot in the engine compartment so I am sure there is some evaporation. The material is a braided fiber like oakum and is impregnated with wax and lubricants. If you have an infrared thermometer, go for a run and let things warm up, take a reading of the water you are in. Then point it at the nut on the shaft. You should be at no more than 20 degrees hotter that the water. 145 hours and no adjustment is not unusual. I got over 1,500 hours on my material before I had to change it. I probably did not have to adjust for a couple of years. When you do have to adjust a very slight turn is adequate. I am talking like maybe a 5 degree turn or so, You can do it while cruising to see how the drip is going or tie yourself real well at the dock and put it in gear. I always prefer to have someone at the helm in case a line lets loose and immediate action is required.

 

[BB marine]

Thanks for the information. I will shoot it with a temp gun while cruising. It sounds like long lasting packing if you got 1500 hours. I'm not going to mess with it, like you said "If it works don't fix it" I'll check it daily as we cruise.It was a little odd to see a completely dry bilge. I'm not complaining, a dry clean bilge, Nice!!
Brian Brown
26 Cutwater
PORT-A-GEE

 

[vladcut26]

What kind of packing material (flex, teflon or graphite) used on Cutwater 26?
I get water in the keel during every trip. The aft pump turns on aproximatly each 30-40 min at
cruising speed (3300-3400 rpm). But I've never
seen the spreading water drops around the bilge. Maybe I have the leak through the keel bolts that increases with vibration? :? I've checked all row water connections, they are look perfect.

Thanks.
Vladimir.
Cutwater 26.

 

[knotflying]

If it is the same as it has been for all the products bought by ranger it is this: A high-tech non-asbestos composite fiber impregnated with virgin PTFE in-suspension and internally saturated with a proprietary lubricant. Substantially less abrasive than asbestos, yet still able to withstand temperatures up to 500º F (200º C). Excellent watertight sealing ability with less required leakage at rest to compensate for frictional heat expansion when under way. Ideal replacement for standard flax packing material in shaft stuffing box and rudder box applications. Sold in two-foot lengths and in 1 lb. spools. This is supplied by Marine hardware.

As far as your water buildup; it is sometimes hard while underway and at higer RPM's to see the drip. Sometimes the water gets slung. Try the tying at the dock method I explained. The drip may be more visible at lower RPM and easier to see when not bouncing around.