dripless packing gland

[dillehay]

With the boat hauled and a shaft replacement underway, the dripless PYI packing gland has been suggested to replace the original, conventional packing gland.  I'm told all new boats come with the dripless system, and that it is essentially trouble-free.  I'd be interested in any observations/recommendations from those with experience with the system.

[Ken Juul]

For C34 specific responses you can use the search button in the top tool bar.  Search for "dripless" or "Stuffing Box" or "PYI"

A page from the new knowledge wiki:

http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Stuffing_box_comparison

[Steve Sayian]

I replaced the 'conventional packing' on the boat last year with Gore GFO and no more leaking stuffing box.
A lot less expensive than a PSS ($25.00 for 2 feet of 1/4 inch material).

http://www.e-marine-inc.com/products/gfopacking/packing.html

Steve

[Ted Pounds]

What Steve said.   

[Craig Illman]

What Ted said!    But I think I used 3/16". It depends on the collar that was installed. This is another "religious" issue, like anchor selection.

[Ken Juul]

+4 for the Gore.  My experience has been a stuffing box adjustment after the first couple uses each spring.  Then good to go for the rest of the season.  Several articles about it and how to replace it on the wiki also

[horsemel]

Here is a funny one about the dripless green packing.  Our marina neighbor with a 34 mk II found a leak in his cooling system.  There was green dye that indicated a leak.  After a couple of weekends of unsuccessful leak searching he found out it was the green dye weeping from the dripless packing.  We have the dripless packing on Blue Moon installed by the previous owner.  I think it is about five years old.  I adjust it after launch in the spring and after a couple of outings fine tune it and don't have to mess with it again.
Mark Mueller
Blue Moon #815
1988

[Ron Hill]

Guys, Susan and D : I've used both the "green stuff" for about 10 years and the Gohr GFO for 10 years.  Both work, however the Gohr is MUCH easier to install. 
This past year I tried something somewhat unorthodox.  As the Gohr packing had worn over 10+ years I thought I try just adding another single ring onto what ever was left of the first 3 rings installed way back when.  I attest it worked!!!  As long as it keeps the water from dripping, I'll just "keep on a trucking" ! 
Again with any packing you need to check for heat.  The packing gland can get warm, but if you can't keep your hand on it - it's TOO hot and you need to back off. 
A thought. 

[foursailing]

I guess I'm the odd man out here - I have used PYI PSS for the past couple of years and for almost 10 on my previous boat (Pearson 303).  They take a little bit to install (need to pull off the coupling), but I have been very happy with them and think they work great.  You just "burp" the bellow (let the air out) in the beginning of the season, and that's it for the season.  You are supposed to replace the bellow every 5 years.

[Stu Jackson]

Try a search on PSS.  Lotsa reading for ya!

[David Sanner]

I use to use the gore packing... it worked fine but there was
some leaking from time to time when it got out of adjustment.

When I put a stainless shaft on about three years ago the
boat yard recommended the PYI dripless seal and gave me
a good price.  The new ones have a vent host so that it doesn't
need to be burped.

I must admit it's nice to not think about the stuffing box / seal...
or sticking my head in there to check and/or adjust... ever.