Rubber Hose on Stuffing Box

[keao]

I was inspecting a boat yesterday and when checking the stuffing box rubber tubing it felt crunch on the inside. The actual tube seemed to be in good shape. Is this a common issue? Does the entire tube need replacing?

[daddle]

Whatever the crunch is...that hose should probably be replaced every 5 years...or more if one motors all the time.

[zeehag]

be careful as that hose keeps water out of your boat--- a LOT of water....can be replaced in water, but need to use precautions or sinking will happen.

[atoll]

possably marine growth/coral coating the tube walls

[S/V Alchemy]

Crunchy things tend to abrade, so a closer look is definitely warranted!

[bazzer]

That tube is the shaft log house, it should be very stiff and be unable to compress by hand, it is normally very thick neoprene or some sort of hard rubber. If you can make it crunch then replace it asap. Make sure it is secured with four house clamps, two at each end. Lots of water will come into the boat very quickly if it cracks and breaks.