Shaft Hose on E37
Date: July 21, 1999
From: Robert T. McWhorter RTMLAW@aol.com
I have a 1979 Endeavour 37 on the Gulf Coast. At the point where the drive shaft exits the bilge area, there is a short piece of 2 or 2 1/2 inch hose that is attaches to the boat at the aft end and supports the packing nut forward. It has never been replaced. It has occurred to be that if this hose failed the boat would rapidly fill, much more rapidly than my two bilge pumps could pump and the weekend would become pretty much a bummer.
Has any one ever changed this hose? What difficulties were encountered? Anyone with knowledge of its useful life?
Although it's not broke, should I fix it at twenty years as a precaution, or leave well enough alone?
Date: July 28, 1999
From: Phil Johnson johnsonpn@nswccd.navy.mil
I replaced both the shaft log hose and the rudder post hose on my 40 in '96 both were still in good condition but had 15 years in service. You may wish to convert your packing gland to a mechanical seal when you change the shaft hose out. The new seal has eliminated shaft leakoff and adjustment and has been maintence free for 3 years.
Date: October 5, 1999
From: Mike Miller capnmike_s@yahoo.com
After 20 years the rubber is probably pretty far gone...I would definitely replace it, although you should consider a PSS propshaft Seal or the like...I am fairly large and have a hard time getting into that space laughably called an "engine room" to adjust the packing, and installed one of these a few years back...it works wonderfully, needs no service of any kind, and never drips.
