3D printed stern tube lubrication fix

[teaguy]

Hello All,
After once again dealing with a weak connection for the stern tube lubrication hose, I have fixed mine once and for all. I 3D printed a bracket to support the nipple. The best part is we could do this without hauling out. If you take on this type of project, you will need to take into account the amount of buildup of material at the existing nipple entry. Ours had a considerable amount of buildup on the stern tube which meant we had to create an offset at the opposite end of the new bracket so when tightened the bracket it would sit level to the stern tube.
We did a one week shake down and the bracket was super strong and not one drip of water.

[teaguy]

More photos

Mark M
Vancouver BC

[tkeithlu]

Beautiful work, Teaguy. I note with approval that you used a reinforced hose for the raw water feed. My shaft seal came with a wimpy vinyl hose which I replaced, realizing that it popping could sink the boat.

[pcmm]

What problem is this solving? Sorry not seen a stern tube with the need for "lubrication" like this on a sailboat. Is this a High speed issue?

[teaguy]

Hi pcmm,
This is a common issue with Beneteau's. The shaft stern tube has a fresh water lubrication nipple, that is simply "glued" on and subject to frequent failure. The fresh water is used for cooling the shaft within the tube. Hope that makes some sense.
Mark M

[nigel1]

Originally Posted by teaguy

Hi pcmm,

This is a common issue with Beneteau's. The shaft stern tube has a fresh water lubrication nipple, that is simply "glued" on and subject to frequent failure. The fresh water is used for cooling the shaft within the tube. Hope that makes some sense.

Mark M

Im not aware of Beneteau using fresh water cooling for the shaft.
I have a B473 which is sea water cooled, and the one in the OP's first picture looks to be SW cooled.

Just a note of caution for the OP. The two valves in the picture look like original beneteau fittings, which are brass, not good, even Beneteau admit they need changing out after 5 years.
Replace with bronze or DZR.

[teaguy]

Hello
Thank you I stand corrected, I was referring to seawater. Good call on the brass
however the replacement process is so cheap and easy I printed and prepared a replacement bracket and fitting for down the road. So in a year or 3 I will simply swap out the entire contraption.
Mark M

[nigel1]

Originally Posted by teaguy

Hello
Thank you I stand corrected, I was referring to seawater. Good call on the brass
however the replacement process is so cheap and easy I printed and prepared a replacement bracket and fitting for down the road. So in a year or 3 I will simply swap out the entire contraption.
Mark M

Hi Mark



Luckily my B473 had the original Volvo seal replaced with a Vetus shaft seal arrangement.


https://www.vetus-shop.com/vetus-sha...0mm-p-492.html


Cheers
Nigel

[kapnd]

The nipple should also be of bronze.

[teaguy]

Originally Posted by nigel1

Hi Mark



Luckily my B473 had the original Volvo seal replaced with a Vetus shaft seal arrangement.


https://www.vetus-shop.com/vetus-sha...0mm-p-492.html


Cheers
Nigel

Nigel,
Now that looks like a proper setup. Not what we B343 owners have.
Sincerely
Mark