[downeast450]

I saw an interesting solution to having a slow drip from the stuffing box between cruises. A good friend and retired mariner / harbor master / salvage barge owner told me that he drilled, tapped and installed grease fittings in the base (shaft log end) of the stuffing boxes in his vessels. Rather than tightening the stuffing box nut to prevent leakage between uses if he was not going to use a boat for a week or more, and wanted a dry bilge, he would pump a little grease into the box and the grease was enough to stop the leak. When he resumed using the boat the grease did not create a problem for normal lubrication of the shaft.

Does anyone do this? Has anyone heard of this?

 

[Vasco]

A stuffing box shouldn't drip if the shaft isn't turning so no water should get in if the boat isn't being used.

 

[downeast450]

Thanks Rick, Downeast we like to have a minimal drip even at engine stop to insure ample lubrication. I just replaced my old flax with some new low friction packing and have the drip rate virtually stopped. Stopping it altogether goes against all the advice I have ever gotten unless you install a dripless stuffing box

 

[Poggle]

Grease Fitting on Stuffing Box

I have exactly the type of stuffing box you are describing on my 56 foot sailboat, Kuva. It is new to me, but I have been pumping grease into it after each use and voila! no drip!
I would prefer to have a dry system, and I am planning on taking her into drydock this fall and at least replacing the packing.