[C320-list] Stuffing box question

[Jeff Hare]

Look. It's Never ok tell a novice boater whom you don't know, on a boat your haven't seen, that it's ok to do a job that can't be sure it can be done on one short sitting that involves letting water in the boat.You have no idea of his skill level. You have no idea what condition the shaft log tube, clamps or the stuffing box is in.Sorry, you're just wrong on this point. You didn't even ask for pics, just dismissed Jon's extensive experiences and my own on this job with with some theory saying our experiences don't matter because you analyzed it.I didn't attack you, so knock off the aggression.  I've done this 7 times now on different c320's, twice on a c355, once on a c380 and once on an O'Day32.  Sometimes it went as planned, more than once though it was a long painful process. YOU don't know which experience he will have but are awful happy to sit back with your beer and send them off to it.You didn't explain what tools he might need, what to do if the material is rock hard and won't come out, none of that though...You've obviously completed this job personally, numerous times, exactly how you suggest.  I can tell.Jeff
-------- Original message --------From: Graeme Clark <cg at skyflyer.co.uk> Date: 11/27/20  4:15 AM  (GMT-05:00) To: C320-List at catalina320.com Subject: Re: [C320-list] Stuffing box question JeffWith respect that is unfairNever put a screw in yourself but employ a pro to do it? No! Of course not - you make a risk assessment and so long as you’re happy that you aren’t going to drive the screw through something important then you grab the screwdriver and do it.Install a below deck a/pilot? Risky.  You’re messing with the steering. That ram produces a lot of force. Do it wrong and you could punch a hole through the hull.  Should you save a buck there or get the pros inReplace a portlight or hatch lens. Mess that up and in a heavy sea you could sink your boat. Worth the cost saving.Re wire your electrics? Hmmm, the wrong fuse or wire gauge and you could have a fire onboard. Is it really wise to do that yourself?But fiddle with the stuffing box where, in the worst possible case, a leak could be easily contained. Now that’s a step too far!I realise that I’m conflating “getting a pro to do it” with “make it safer to DIY” but the message is the same.  We all make risk assessments consciously or otherwise hundreds of times every day.  Those assessments should be informed by fact and science and not by unfounded worry.  Some people are scared of flying and no amount of science or statistics will change their viewSo I don’t criticise anyone at all for taking the haul out option if they feel happier with that  anymore than I’d criticise a nervous flier for going by train, but for you to suggest that anyone doing the job without hauling out is an unnecessary risk taking penny pincher,  is frankly, disingenuous.Don’t want to fall out with you on this buddy, or indeed anyone else. It’s just my opinion, which you are all perfectly entitled to ignore or disagree with! No offence intended!GraemeSent from my iPad> On 26 Nov 2020, at 16:46, Jeff Hare <catalina at thehares.com> wrote:> > Have fun, but it's not an irrational fear. Its just an unnecessary risk and a lost opportunity IMHO.The distances sailors will go to "save" a buck is always entertaining but it does keep marine services pros in business. Lol!Good luck!Happy Thanksgiving!Jeff> -------- Original message --------From: Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net> Date: 11/26/20  10:27 AM  (GMT-05:00) To: C320-List at Catalina320.com Subject: Re: [C320-list] Stuffing box question Always great to have an expert on board to rein in our irrational fears. Thanks Graeme!Also, my slip ranges from 5 to 7 feet of depth.  My diver stands up when he cleans the bottom. There’s no disappearing under the waves in western Florida.Jack BrennanSonas, 1998 Catalina 320Tierra Verde, Fl.Sent from Mail for Windows 10From: Graeme ClarkSent: Thursday, November 26, 2020 10:03 AMTo: Catalina listSubject: Re: [C320-list] Stuffing box questionI