volvo penta shaft seal on 2015 R31-S

[SilverSailor]

I like a dry bilge. My previous boat had a Volvo Penta shaft seal. Not a drip in several years of operation. The R32-S has a 1.5 inch shaft and a 2.5 in O.D. shaft sleeve. The specifications for the 1.5 inch Volvo Penta shaft seal show a sleeve O.D. of 2.25 inches. Is it possible to stretch the part of the seal over this diameter sleeve and have it work correctly? Couldn't find any references to the Volvo Penta shaft seal of the web site. Thanks

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hello and thank you for the email. I have not done any research on these shaft seals so would be hard pressed to provide any insight for this installation. My suggestion on this would be to work with someone experienced with a dripless installations and get their thoughts. I know some have converted to dripless but only certain models will fit because of the minimal room allowance. You might post the question about dripless or this specific one in the general forums to get some owners perspective that have done or had the work completed on their boats.

Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance here.

 

[Bill & Donna Sibbers]

I installed a dripless shaft seal on our Nordic Tug 26 primarily because of the smell generated from a wet bilge - centered under our salon. My discomfort with this mechanical device is the lack of forgiveness during failure. With the engine compartment out from under the cabin on our RangerTug 31 I don't see the benefit of going dripless. Old school is extremely safe and economical. I did purchase the requisite tools to adjust the drip rate and check on it regularly. There are also some excellent and proven stuffing materials that reduce all but a few occasional drips if too much water is a concern. FYI: we flush our bilge pumps with fresh water annually. For what it's worth. Bill