[C320-list] Wet Bilge due to packing gland. Normal? /// GFO packing eliminated water in the bilge

[Rick Sulewski]

Can attest to the success using GFO to reduce/eliminate water in the bilge.


With some skepticism, I switched to GFO packing this spring and am very
pleases with the results. We have a stainless shaft, and the results may be
different with a softer bronze shaft used on the earlier 320 models. 

Had previously used Teflon coated flax packing and annually added some
Teflon paste and also had to add another packing ring every 3 years or so.
Had good luck with that arrangement and reduced /eliminated excessive water
in the bilge with only one or two adjustments each season over a 12 year
period.

Now, using GFO and after a break-in period of three trips, I finally have
the drip rate down to some light but infrequent drips while motoring (one
per minute or less) with no heat at the packing gland while the shaft is
turning under power. The drips/packing moisture ceases in about an hour
after motoring. The small amount of moisture dries up in the bilge after a
day or two. I noticed that the there was some black residue in the moisture
coming from the packing gland that collected immediately below the packing
nut during the break-in period.

Used (4) 3/16th rings and had to make 1 packing gland adjustment during the
first 2 hours of use.  Now after 3 more adjustments over 3 more trips, we
have reached the desired results, with no heat at the packing gland.

BTW, for some 320 models, be aware that the fridge drains into the bilge and
may also be a source of water after the freezer coil defrosts.

Rick
My-Ria #277

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jeff Hare
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2011 10:38 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Wet Bilge due to packing gland. Normal?

I think you can do significantly better with some work.

First, consider plugging the existing hole that drains from the prop shaft
area to the bilge and relocating it higher up? This could give you some
options for removing this water before it gets to the bilge grid. Maybe a
tiny drain pump with electronic switch? Like something used for a
dehumidifier drain? 

GFO packing material should be able to eliminate drips when the prop is
still, and nearly eliminate them when motoring.

Chainplates, windows, Genoa track, mast step, stanchions, water tank caps,
emergency tiller cover and water heater should also be checked for leakage.
Once all that is done you should begin to have more of a bilge dust bunny
problem. (We should all be so lucky) . 

This is attainable and the benefits are greatly reduced mold/mildew
problems. 

-jeff 

danny jensen <danny at jensenshouse.com> wrote:

I have a standard packing gland on a 2004 catalina 320. I just purchased
the boat and found the bilge pump turning on a few times a night. Then I
made the packing gland adjustment per the owners manual where I get
about 3 drips per minute from the prop shaft. I dried out both the
shallow builge aft of the deep builge. I also dried out the hull area
under the floor boards that drains into the aft shallow bilge just aft
of the shallow builge next to the head by uncrewing the narrow floor
board in aft of the bilge floor board. I was still getting water flowing
into the shallow bilge after making the packing gland adjustment to 3
drips / minuite. Then, I drained all the water from the forward and aft
water tanks and turned off all the thu hulls and put a drip pan under
the prop shaft. The bilge was bone dry for 24 hrs! To my surprise I
measured 1 cup (8 oz) of water in a 24 hr period coming from the prop
shaft that is dripping a about 3 drops / minute in to my drip pan. This
means that the packing gland is responsible for pouring about 3.5
gallons of salt water into the bilge each month. Am I correct in
assuming it is normal to have water in the shallow aft bilge then
spilling over to the deeper forward bilge for all C320 with packing
glands? Or are my 3 drips / minute really big drips?



Danny C320 hull #972

A BOA VIDA