packing boxes

[witeagle]

Hi all,

Is there a great way to get to the packing nuts in a 32 open with CAT 3116? The RACOR's are mounted in the center aft engine room between the trans. I am about to run this boat from Maryland to NJ and the survey outcome recommend I service them soon.

Can this be done with the boat in the water or does it need to get pulled? What's the best way to repack?

Thanks

Justin

[kcummin]

Justin,
I'm not sure about the location on your model, mine are easily viewable from a cockpit hatch door. Do you have any removeable storage fish boxes that might give you direct access?

If this is your first time doing them on your new boat, you might want to play it safe and have it on land, before opening them up. Are you getting much water in from the stuffing boxes? Maybe you can tighten them enough to get to Jersey, and then service there., depends on how critical the surveyor saw the situation.
Talk to your surveyor again about what he saw.

I would recommend the Gore GFO packing, as it basically makes the standard stuffing box virtually dripless without all the complications /risks of the newer seal type boxes.

http://gfopacking.com/

Here is a link to a good site with pictures of how to re-pack your stuffing box.
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box

Hope this helps

Kevin

[witeagle]

Kevin,

Thanks for the info. I am going to try the adjustment and see if it helps. I am planning on running the boat back to NJ this weekend and won't have time to order the product from on-line, and the boat will be in the water.

I am also thinking I may just call the dealer tomorrow and have them service them this time due to my time constraint.

Justin

[irishrogue]

packing boxes should not be repacked on this boat for your first time in the water. it is a hard enough job on the hard. dont add the stress of water coming in....

you can absolutely adjust the packing nuts while in the water after removing the rubber shrouds covering the stuffing boxes. the centerline racors are not even close to being in the way. grab a crescent wrench and maneuveur your arm down there. you can partial turns on the nut pretty easily.