Hi - An update, we left without installing the dripless packing system. We are currently out of the water down in Mazatlan and getting a new shaft put in, and I have a package of Drip Less Moldable Packing on the boat, it is a green putty with a tube of I'm guessing lubricant. I'm curious is this is what you are using, or another product? I would like to try using it but I think the boatyard isn't interested in putting it in but maybe some positive feedback on the product from another user of the same boat would convince them. Based on my reading forums and experience so far I'm actually thinking even conventional packing isn't so bad, but if the dripless material works well it would be a bit more convenient.

Thanks!
Erlin
SV Ventured

I somehow don't think this message was sent to me until today. Or I already responded. I am 3000 miles from my boat so I can't help you with the outside diameter of the shaft. As a delivery skipper I hated the mechanical dripless packing as when they fail, you have a major problem. I hear they do not fail often from their proponents, but I had it happen 2X on deliveries. Water spraying everywhere and I was 80 offshore. There are now packing materials you can put in a standard packing nut that are basically dripless and work fine. These can be adjusted and fixed underway and are, in my opinion, safer and preferable to a complicated and expensive mechanical solution though they must be installed according to instructions. Whenever I post my experience and opinion on line, there is a hail of defensive responses. In some cases, my comments have been removed--I think at the behest of advertising supporters of websites. FWIW. You need to decide for yourself.

Hi - I'm prepping a Tartan 37 for offshore cruising, and was thinking about a dripless packing shaft. I'm curious if you know the outside diameter of the shaft tube on a Tartan 37, and why you aren't in favor of a dripless packing shaft. What would you use instead?

Thanks!

Erlin
Venture - Tartan 37