Dripless shaft seal in cold climates, in-water storage

[phorvati]

Is there anything I should worry about with newly installed dripless PYI bellow if i leave the boat in wet storage this winter? I plan to check on thinks multiple times per week but definitely wont be there every day. Ive been told water gets slushy but has not been freezing solid in recent years.

[ranger58sb]

We haven't had any difficulty with ours, through approx 9 years of wet winter storage over 13 years of ownership of this boat. I do run a de-icer when the marina starts to freeze up. And I don't know whether our experience is representative... and I'm also having a bit of brain fade just now over whether ours are PYI (PSS) or Tides...

-Chris

[Geoff54]

I keep my boat in Wickford where it get's brackish and does freeze solid sometimes. When I fitted a dripless seal i was concerned that, should it freeze, it would push the bellows away from the rotor. I called the manufacturer and they said that they didn't know of any issues but weren't very reassuring either; liability I assume.

So I bought a little terrarium heating pad (brand was Zila but I doubt it matters) which I lay across the stern tube when it gets really cold. I weigh it down so it makes good contact. It was cheap to buy and only draws 8 watts. With the stern tube a couple of feet below the water line it probably doesn't need anything but it makes me feel better. Two winters since I fitted the PSS seal and the boat was iced in solid last winter. No problems so far.

[phorvati]

Originally Posted by Geoff54

I keep my boat in Wickford where it get's brackish and does freeze solid sometimes. When I fitted a dripless seal i was concerned that, should it freeze, it would push the bellows away from the rotor. I called the manufacturer and they said that they didn't know of any issues but weren't very reassuring either; liability I assume.

So I bought a little terrarium heating pad (brand was Zila but I doubt it matters) which I lay across the stern tube when it gets really cold. I weigh it down so it makes good contact. It was cheap to buy and only draws 8 watts. With the stern tube a couple of feet below the water line it probably doesn't need anything but it makes me feel better. Two winters since I fitted the PSS seal and the boat was iced in solid last winter. No problems so far.

I am assuming wickford marina. They are very reasonable. If so, I might be joining you this winter.

[Raggedglory]

Originally Posted by phorvati

Is there anything I should worry about with newly installed dripless PYI bellow if i leave the boat in wet storage this winter? I plan to check on thinks multiple times per week but definitely wont be there every day. Ive been told water gets slushy but has not been freezing solid in recent years.

Hi, i am contemplating putting in a dripless shaft seal next spring before launching.
I have a steel hull so the thought of my present system constantly dripping is a bit off putting even though i do have a catch basin underneath the shaft.
Im in Canada and it gets to minus 30 celcius or even minus 40 at times.
For 5 months minimum it is below freezing temperatures.
Obviously the water captive in the rubber boot will freeze but could you not simply undo the clamps and drain the water?
Also would the rubber simply not expand and accomodate the ice?
My thinking says there really should be no issue of damage but would love to hear from those in colder climes who have this situation.
Thanks.

[Raggedglory]

Originally Posted by Raggedglory

Hi, i am contemplating putting in a dripless shaft seal next spring before launching.
I have a steel hull so the thought of my present system constantly dripping is a bit off putting even though i do have a catch basin underneath the shaft.
Im in Canada and it gets to minus 30 celcius or even minus 40 at times.
For 5 months minimum it is below freezing temperatures.
Obviously the water captive in the rubber boot will freeze but could you not simply undo the clamps and drain the water?
Also would the rubber simply not expand and accomodate the ice?
My thinking says there really should be no issue of damage but would love to hear from those in colder climes who have this situation.
Thanks.

Oh, i am of course on the hard.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Raggedglory

Hi, i am contemplating putting in a dripless shaft seal next spring before launching.
I have a steel hull so the thought of my present system constantly dripping is a bit off putting even though i do have a catch basin underneath the shaft.
Im in Canada and it gets to minus 30 celcius or even minus 40 at times.
For 5 months minimum it is below freezing temperatures.
Obviously the water captive in the rubber boot will freeze but could you not simply undo the clamps and drain the water?
Also would the rubber simply not expand and accomodate the ice?
My thinking says there really should be no issue of damage but would love to hear from those in colder climes who have this situation.
Thanks.

Full time liveaboard in Mississauga with a Lasdrop seal.
I like to sleep at night so I keep a 700Watt heat lamp pointed at my seal. I have no desire to find out if it will get damaged without it.

[Raggedglory]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Full time liveaboard in Mississauga with a Lasdrop seal.
I like to sleep at night so I keep a 700Watt heat lamp pointed at my seal. I have no desire to find out if it will get damaged without it.

Thanks but my boat is on the hard and i doubt the marina would appreciate the electrical bill to keep my seal toasty warm.
I think the rubber would expand without damage, i bet someone on this site will have an answer.