76 Searaft Inboard Stuffing Box

[fishlips56]

Good morning. New to inboards, so learning as I go. Do any of you know the size packing material used on a 1976 Seacraft inboard. I believe the boat is in it's original configuration, with a 1993 350 Mercruiser and a 1.5 : 1 Borg Warner transmission. Any tips on replacement while the shaft is in the boat. Limited space, but looks like I might be able to access through the small deck hatch behind the console without removing the rear deck hatch. Eventually I want to recore/reinforce the large deck hatch to achieve the original contour, so is it better to just go ahead and do it now? I will probably have to replace the trust bearings next.

Thank you for your assistance,

Barry

[Miles Offshore]

I just replaced mine and used 3/16" in my 78 Barry. 1 1/4" shaft. No worries changing it in the water. You can stick a rag in the hole when you pull the nut off. I use a manns jig head and just straighten it out to 90' and use it to remove old packing. I used 3 or 4 layers.

[Miles Offshore]

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/stuffing_box&page=3

[fishlips56]

Miles,

I appreciate the information and that was a great instructional clip you passed along. The boat is sitting on a trailer, so water intrusion won't be an issue. I pulled up the rear hatch to gain better access, but it is still limited due to the exhaust hoses and muffler. Hopefully the locking nut and stuffing box nut separate easily. I'll let you know how it works out. I'm getting a steady stream of intrusion, so I doubt a simple adjustment is going to solve the problem.

Thanks again.

Barry

[Step Up]

I had a Master Angler 27 with twin yanmars. I replace my stuffing boxes in the water and did so without dropping the shafts but it was very very close to not working and man the water LOL pu;; the boat if it is in the water and install new dripless The stock ones are a pain.