- Aug 17, 2010
- 1,160
- Boat Info
- 2005 Cruisers Yachts 500 Express
Zodiac Yachtline 340DL w/ Yamaha 40 hp
- Engines
- Twin 715 hp Volvo D12s with V-Drives
Two other things I forgot to mention. Al, I know you are concerned with the condition of your shafts, since they've been run for so long with packing, and you did mention they have some wear on them. One of the great things about a Tides, or PSS, design is that there is a limited amount of adjustment as to the location of the seal. First, you have some small amount of flexibility during installation as to the positioning of the rubber boot on the shaft log. Not a lot, since you don't want to push the boot too far onto the log, and thus lose flexibility, or conversely leave it too far off the log, compromising robustness and clamping area. But there is some "wiggle" room. Also, the boot can be trimmed a bit before installation, to alter the seal location. This is a trick often used when the assembly is replaced, so the seal rides on virgin shaft.
The final item that pushed me towards Tides on my boat was the easy availability of a similar design rudder post seal assembly. They are a bit pricey, but with the limited access I have to my steering gear, they were worth the price of admission. No packing to replace or adjust, no drips, and far less drag. They also have an internal self lubricating bushing, which provides a little bit more support for the rudder post, and I like that.
Dale
The final item that pushed me towards Tides on my boat was the easy availability of a similar design rudder post seal assembly. They are a bit pricey, but with the limited access I have to my steering gear, they were worth the price of admission. No packing to replace or adjust, no drips, and far less drag. They also have an internal self lubricating bushing, which provides a little bit more support for the rudder post, and I like that.
Dale
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