Stuffing Box - CORRECT CRAFT Ski Nautique Owner's Manual

PROPELLER SHAFT STUFFING BOX
The stuffing box is designed to prevent water from coming through the
through-hull fittings. These are found on the propeller shaft where the shaft
goes through the hull and also where the rudder comes up through the bottom
of the boat. These devices contain a lubricated fibrous packing that acts as a
seal.
The propeller shaft stuffing box should be checked frequently (with the engine
off) for excessive leakage other than a few drops per minute. This rate is
acceptable and expected. To inspect the shaft stuffing box, remove the
inspection plate in the floor behind the engine box. If you view a steady stream
of water or an excessive drip rate, you need to tighten the stuffing box. If
tightening is required, follow the procedures with careful attention.
1. You will need two pipe wrenches, twelve inches of .032 gauge stainless steel
safety wire, flat blade screw driver and wire cutters. .
2. Cut and discard the safety wire (this wire prevents the packing gland nut
from loosening.) See illustration.
3. Hold the gland nut (large nut) with a pipe wrench and loosen the locking nut
with another pipe wrench. See illustration.
4. Now, HAND-TIGHTEN the gland nut until the dripping slows down to
about 6 - 10 drips per minute. See illustration.
5.4