Prop and Shaft Issue

[sail2530]

Hello
Recently thought we had a line around the prop. Got back the the slip and was able to get a diver out today to check it out. We did have a line around the prop. Diver said that he got it off but the diver said there was a gap around the shaft that would let water in. We have a dripless seal that looked fine last weekend. So trying to figure out what to do next. Thanks

[KenKrawford]

I’m not real sure how to interpret “gap around the shaft that would let water in”. Did he comment about the status of the cutlass bearing? All boats have a gap around the shaft that lets water in. What prevents that from turning into an issue is either a stuffing box or a dripless shaft seal. I don’t suppose he had any pictures?

[wolfe10]

I’m not real sure how to interpret “gap around the shaft that would let water in”. Did he comment about the status of the cutlass bearing? All boats have a gap around the shaft that lets water in. What prevents that from turning into an issue is either a stuffing box or a dripless shaft seal. I don’t suppose he had any pictures?

Ya, I couldn't figure out the issue either.

But, if the monofilament line wraps around the shaft, it can melt and totally shut off water supply to the cutlass bearing. Had to replace a shaft on another boat because of this.

[KenKrawford]

Good point RE: monofilament. I was envisioning something considerably larger.

[yodagwb]

If the shaft isn't loose when you move it from side to side, then the cutlass should be ok. The fact is that the engine is pumping water into the dripless which then goes out the cutlass.