We have developed a leak around the
interior shaft log where it meets the
hull.
Our
boat is a William Atkin
Cutter, built in 1977. We have owned her since ' 05. Have recently noticed the leak and have contacted the original owner/builder, with whom we are friends, in order to determine the exact configuration of the shaft log, cutless bearing, stuffing boxes, and the information needed before we haul for a
repair. We assumed that the shaft log, stern tubes integrity had been breached on the
interior and was allowing
water to leak through the tube interior and exit into the
bilge.
Not a very good
photo, but it shows the exterior stuffing box just forward of the prop, bolted to the
hull, if blown up just a little.
After speaking to the original builder/owner, we learned that the
boat has no cutless bearing and never has had one. There are two stuffing boxes, one normal one attached to the shaft log on the interior via the rubber hose, and the other one on the exterior attached to the deadwood area just forward of the prop where the shaft exits the hull. We have been aware of this arrangement since the
purchase date. We assumed that a cutless bearing was also inside of the shaft log stern tube. Now we know. The builder/owner advises that back in those days it was not uncommon to do an
installation in this fashion, and the shipwrights who supervised the building suggested that it was just another option. Anyway it has been functioning in this fashion since construction without problems or
leaks until recently. Many miles have passed under
power. The leak does not increase when under
power, and is currently averaging about 12 drops per minute just sitting in the slip.
I am not sure exactly what I will find when we haul but the original owner advised that he will assist in the
repair. He does not remember every detail of the
installation due to the time passing but remembers that the stern tube is
bronze.
I have searched the
Internet, spoken to many yards, and individuals but have been unable to find anyone who has ever seen a setup such as this. If anyone out there is familiar with such an arrangement it would be interesting to know.