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johnsgj · 18-12-2014, 18:31

During our upcoming haul out, we plan to replace the stuffing box hose since we don't know how old the existing one is. I ordered a new stuffing box hose, 2-1/2" diameter by 5" long, and had it shipped from the US to Guatemala. The company sent the wrong hose; 2" diameter by 4-1/2" long. It will be costly to get a new stuffing box hose sent from the US in time for our haul out. Locally, I can get the correct size radiator hose. Is radiator hose a suitable substitute? Neither hose has any metal. (We are a 44 foot CSY with a Perkins 4-154 engine and a Borg Warner Transmission. We are sailing around the Caribbean, currently in Guatemala.). Thanks, Gail

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sanibel sailor · 19-12-2014, 03:17

I would be reluctant to use it. Poor burst strength. It needs to be hardwall. If it tears, the boat sinks, with no easy way to staunch the leak. Hardwall exhaust hose is a good substitute if you can find it. I suspect that most "stuffing box hose" is just relabeled exhaust hose. I might have a section laying around I could send. USPS says $23 shipping Priority, 6-10 days to major markets, vs $45 express, 3 - 5 business days to many major markets. Send me an email grafpatrick at earthlink.net

JK n Smitty · 19-12-2014, 03:26

[ATTACH]93941[/ATTACH

The two hoses are not even close to the same strength. I would never make this compromise on my boat.

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/image/119730417.

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**GordMay** · 19-12-2014, 03:47

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Gail.

**neilpride** · 19-12-2014, 03:50

Very bad idea, the radiator hose is really soft, use regular exhaust hose instead...

**a64pilot** · 19-12-2014, 04:29

Just to stir the pot, how thick is the hose used on dripless ?

**Hudson Force** · 19-12-2014, 05:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Just to stir the pot, how thick is the hose used on dripless ?

Yes! This difference in design standards troubled me when I refit from my stuffing box to a dripless shaft seal. I had the thick, robust hose for forty years and now I have the soft and light bellows. I like a strip of a large tire inner tube stowed handy in order to have an emergency wrap.

sanibel sailor · 19-12-2014, 07:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Just to stir the pot, how thick is the hose used on dripless ?

Doesn't matter- different deal, dripless is nearly frictionless and puts minimal torsion stress on the bellows, stuffing box packing gland works by friction and needs a stiff hose.

**Hudson Force** · 19-12-2014, 07:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by sanibel sailor

Doesn't matter- different deal, dripless is nearly frictionless and puts minimal torsion stress on the bellows, stuffing box packing gland works by friction and needs a stiff hose.

Thanks for a concise and clear reference to the difference in friction and torsion. 'very reasonable.

Of course, I kept the long inner tube peice with the stuffing box too. It's great to block the water inflow when changing the stuffing while in the water.

**HappyMdRSailor** · 19-12-2014, 07:16

PLEASE ... PLEASE ...please follow the previous advice.... Radiator hose is an absolutely terrible idea... Unless of course you're looking to collect insurance money.... However, an investigation into the shaft log hose tearing is likely to void any payout...

sanibel sailor · 19-12-2014, 07:19

I have thought that jamming some modelling clay around the prop shaft in the cutlass bearing would be a good leak stopper.

cpa · 19-12-2014, 07:50

I had a previous owner use radiator hose on the stuffing box in my last cruising boat. I am not sure how long it had been on there before I bought the boat. It did split on me after about 3 months of my use. I had to duct tape the large tear until I sailed back. It was blowing 35 knots on the nose and I was sailing by myself.

pcmm · 19-12-2014, 07:50

This is a bad compromise to make. The proper hose cost $27 and should be long enough to make 2 lengths. I'd hate anything to happen for the sake of $27. Its one of the more reasonable replacement cost items considering how important it is to the safety of your vessel.