I would like to provide this as a information resource for anyone that needs to replace a
shaft seal and CAN NOT HAUL the
boat.
I've googled a lot and watched every video on youtube, to get a sense if it could be done. Videos like this one: https://youtu.be/NkhRmkQRTIo really helped me a lot.
I took some photos from my
boat (34ft ketch) here for reference:
https://imgur.com/gallery/wyi0et0
It actually was quite easy, but getting all stuff sorted out and have everything on hand is crucial :-) Also very important to have your shaft and shaft tube diameter measured VERY exactly! (Double check, that the new seal will fit)
Steps I took:
1.) Unmount the shaft coupling from the
gear box.
2.) Loosen the shaft hose clamp of the old seal, so I could slide out the shaft further. (I did this until the prop touched my rudder) A slight amount of
water to entered, but not even enough for the
bilge pump to kick in.
3.) I was lucky that my shaft coupling was a split-style, the ones that simply clamp to the shaft (see photo) And so it was quite easy to remove :-) The locking screw (Allen key) was so rusted, that it broke when I first attempted to unscrew, but could pull her with a bolt pulling tool.
4.) I got all the new
shaft seal parts in place (PSS dripless shaft seal) and also arranged all tools I might need for the process, to be easily and quick to reach.
5.) I loosened up all hose clamps, that secured the old seal to the
hull and the shaft. Then pulled the seal off its
hull mount (towards the engine) and off the shaft.
6.) The amount of
water gushing in now was FRIGHTENING :-)
Bilge pump kicked in immediately. I wrapped an old towel around the shaft and pushed it towards the hole, to minimize the water influx. (I have a very deep
bilge, but it filled up about 1/2 in no time, the
pump wasn't able to keep up)
7.) With one hand holding the towel in place, I took the rubber part of the PSS seal and put it in place on the shaft, same with the SS ring that is supposed to sit on the shaft and to push on the rubber part.
8.) I released the towel and quickly pushed the rubber part in place, then compressed it against the hull with the SS ring.
9.) Step by step I pulled the shaft inside the hull again, reattached the coupling to the
gear box... Done! :-)
Hope this might help you guys if you have to replace your shaft seal and can't haul your boat.
Disclaimer: The provided information is no professional advise in any manner, and should not be attempted by anyone! All boat
work and
maintenance should be carried out by trained professionals, by following the manufacturers guidelines. I'm not responsible for any damage or loss, should someone perform this operation.