in water repair

[myketch42]

I have a related thread in the monohull forum about a tight propeller shaft . After more thought I think the shaft log the most likely culprit. Does any one have a recommendation on stopping or greatly slowing the water from entering the shaft tube so that the shaft log can be removed and inspected or replaced. My boat has a cutless bearing in the end if the keel edge no strut

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by myketch42

I have a related thread in the monohull forum about a tight propeller shaft . After more thought I think the shaft log the most likely culprit. Does any one have a recommendation on stopping or greatly slowing the water from entering the shaft tube so that the shaft log can be removed and inspected or replaced. My boat has a cutless bearing in the end if the keel edge no strut

If you can swim it, maybe putty from outside?

[jeanathon]

softish bung

[myketch42]

Is there a puddy that has an adhesive ability when applied in water ,that can then be removed without clogging up the water ingress to the cutless bearing

[fourlyons]

Plumbers use inflatable plugs to seal pipes. You would still get some water through the grooves in the cutless, if you used it there, but far less.

[glenn.225]

I think a toilet ring seal is what you are looking for. It is a waxy malleable material that can be easily hand formed(though a bit sticky) and is great for temporarily sealing leaks.
I had to replace the seal in my stuffing box this spring after lifting in. I just loosened the lock nut, unscrewed the gland nut, and wrapped a rag around the shaft to slow the water ingress. Then replaced the packing with teflon impregnated sealing material, took off rag and tightened it up some. Started motor put in gear and adjusted to drip a drop every 10 to 15 seconds.
It only took 10 or 15 mins to do the job. Lifting and replacing the cockpit floor did take a bit more time, but getting to the job site is most of the work.

[bstreep]

Believe it or not, we used a plain old balloon on a buddy's boat. It was VERY temporary, but it worked. Pressures aren't that high 2 feet down. A foam cone should work just fine.

[boatpoker]

What do you think is wrong with the shaft log ? Not much can go wrong with what is essentially a piece of pipe. If it is misaligned that should be visible after sliding the stuffing box out of the way without removing it. Is it threaded, is it epoxied in place ? some Taiwan boats logs were cemented in place.
If you take it out can you get it back in ?