Ariosa, my comments.

Well since the old valve, thru-hull and water feed line were clogged I have decided to replace them all. The thru-hull and valve were ten years old so they had to go away this refit anyhow. I guess it’s time to go do a new design for the water supply and venting of the shaft seal. I could replace like for like but then I would have to install another thru-hull of future air conditioning or salt water galley water. I have decided to move up to a larger thru-hull and valve. I will then build a manifold capable of supporting 5 valves. Four of the ports will end up plugged, with one feeding shaft seal water. The four plugged ports will support a galley seawater foot pump, and up to 3 other seawater loads (twin air conditioners and a generator). What’s really great is I won’t have to put anymore holes in the boat

The original lip seal on shaft failed after last years major overhaul. It was not replaced during the overhaul simply because I ran out of funds to add anything else to the already extensive list. It was not leaking and thus was not even on the nice to do list at the time. The seal failed after the yard period but not due to normal wear. The seawater inlet hose to the upper end of the stern tube was blocked with a wasp’s nest. It prevented the seal from getting water and it wore out quickly.

The new seal is a PSS dripless with a vent. It is a 30 mm shaft size with a 2 1/4 stern tube size. I should have it installed by the end of Febuary 

Well here I sit, it’s winter and I am normally left alone at this time of year. It’s not bad sitting beside the pier, kinda quiet with the water lapping my sides. None of those pesky birds $%!&!#@ all over me like in the summer. I was all ready to enjoy a nice winter.

BUT NO…….MR. I’M THE CAPTAIN has to sit my Keel up on the hard….and I don’t care what he says, my shaft seal was just as tight as the day I first saw water. I was not drbbling, and those hull valves were fine. He thinks I need new ones just because they were ten years old. What’s he think this is a sub safe program…….

I think the Captain needs to move on….

Signed

The Boat