T&T: SHAFT PACKING 1

[Milt Baker]

I have no experience with "Goretex" packing, but I have to say that I'm delighted
with the GFO packing, which apparently is made up of Goretex fiber.  This stuff is
very low friction, which REALLY reduces stuffing box (packing gland) temperature.

It can indeed be adjusted so there's no leak or virtually no leak, but depending
on the shafting you're using it's best to leave some water "leaking" in.  My boat 
and many other Nordhavns less than 64 feet have Aquamet 17 shafting which is 
subject to serious crevice corrosion if there's no water "leaking" in.  If in doubt,
adjust your stuffing box so there's a constant drip--a drop or two every 30 seconds
to one minute seems to be sufficient to keep oxygen on the surface of the shaft and,
therefore, keep crevice corrosion at bay.

I have GFO on both my main shaft and wing shaft and am sold on it.

--Milt Baker, Nordhavn 47 Bluewater, Fort Lauderdale



Keith wrote:

The best I've ever found is Gore's GFO packing. It is essentially
dripless... no drips at rest and only a drop or so every once in awhile
while underway when it's adjusted right. You put it in like any other, run a
bit, and then tighten a bit. Mine has been in since 2001 and after initial
run-in, I've only had to tighten it maybe 3 times, each maybe 1/8 turn. 

http://www.gore.com/en_xx/products/sealants/packing/gfo_packing_fiber.html
http://www.stuffingboxpacking.com/ 



Keith
_____

-----Original Message-----


All comments will be appreciated relative to the best type of shaft log
packing.
Does any one have information on Graftex Ultra GtU shaft log packing and if
it is dripless packing?
Kindest regards,
Leonard Brunotte
____________________