Putting the boat in the water?????

[Flukemeister1]

My son bought a 29 foot boat that the previous owner claimed had been out of the water for 2 years. I think it may have been longer. Anyway I do not have experience with stuffings boxes other than I know if they are too tight they burn up and too loose you are sinking. What do we have to do, replace them, adjust them, will they swell when we put the boat in? Also how well do they work if a boat is kept on a trailer vs being in a slip?

Thanks!

[Captain Rich]

Flukey- I don't think the packing swells, it either fits properly or doesn't. Put the boat in and watch, a little dripping is normal, if there is too much the packing nut can be tightened, you have to loosen the lock nut first. If you have too much drip after the nut has been tightened, then you have to replace the packing.--Rich

[Flukemeister1]

Thanks Captain Rich!

[Captain Rich]

Thought about this some more, if you are keeping the boat on a trailer it's even easier than being in a slip. Run the boat, if it drips too much, tighten the packing nut. If you still aren't happy, pull the boat out on the trailer to replace the packing. Trying to replace the packing while in the water could shake you up a bit the first time, it's doable but you will be happier on the trailer :)