Aug 12
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Traditionally speaking, the guard between the water and the interior of your boat has been a seal. The traditional shaft seal has been little more than a stuffing box, a clever little seal that actually requires a bit of water to be cooled. Of course, the minor drips soon turn into real water problems, and there are both safety and labor concerns surrounding the component. Rather than dealing with the traditional device, it might be best to upgrade to a dripless shaft seal. These new version of seal not only protects the shaft from the wear and tear of the older component, but does a far better job of keeping the water out of your boat.
A dripless marine shaft seal involves some fairly high-level engineering, but most boat owners can figure out the benefits fairly quickly. Since little to no water gets in the boat, there is far less wear and tear on components. The part is engineered in such a manner that maintenance is never necessary, and the higher level of precision eliminates the necessity of frequent cleanings and removals. What the shaft seal does offer, though, is precision. Motion and vibration do not impact the workings of the part, and even a rough bout on the water will allow for a water-tight seal. The combination of next-generation parts and water pressure keep the seal in place no matter how rough the going, and boat owners who make the investment can actually see a longer duration in the life of the boat and the parts within.
The most important thing to consider about a dripless shaft seal is its quality. There are dozens of similar seals on the market, but they are not all worth the price. A good seal is engineered to the highest standards, using top of the line parts. It is a precision device, one that should be put together by those who really know the process. If you can find such a seal to use on your boat, you can be sure that water leakage around the shaft will be one problem that you can safely ignore.