T&T: Need Help Identifying Origin of Leak from Prop Shaft Area

[Robert Pelton]

I have a 1979, 36' Albin Trawler

I noticed over the summer that I was getting more water in the bilge
than I normally did from my shaft drip, so I began an investigation.  I
thought maybe it was coming from somewhere above, decks, windows etc,
but nothing panned out.

In the stateroom floor there is a floor panel that covers the shaft
housing.  I removed that and inspected that area and low and behold I
found a leak.  When looking at where the shaft disappears into the shaft
log there is a box.  The square box is attached to what looks like 4x8
that is glass in place, like a stringer, but runs from starboard to
port.  The leak seems to be coming from inside this.  I have not drilled
a test whole yet, but water is weeping from the top where it is affixed
to the floor.

My only theory is that possibly the shaft log is cracked.

Any theories, along with solutions would be most appreciated.  I know
have the boat out for a few months, so now is the time to act!

Thanks,

Bob

Dr. Robert P. Pelton
Professor of Education
Villa Julie College
1525 Greenspring Valley Road
Stevenson, MD 21153
Phone: 443-334-2737
Fax: 410-486-3552
f-pelton at mail.vjc.edu