LESSONS LEARNED
Despite years of experience and sailing in familiar waters, we are always learning and realise we must still be prepared for the unexpected. Fortunately, we managed to get through this challenge on a very memorable 46th Wedding anniversary.
1 It seemed our problem was caused by two things, a slight loss of pre-tension and the distorting of the water feed pipe with the cable tie. As I powered up the engine with the helm on full port lock, the flexing in the prop shaft caused the gland to in effect ‘flip up’, and it was prevented from realigning because of the cable tie restraining the water feed pipe. Only when I waggled the pipe did it allow the gland to fall back to its correct alignment and stop the leak. 2
Distortion of the water feed pipe was clearly created by restricted movement caused by the cable tie; cutting off the cable tie allowed the pipe to straighten and find its natural correct alignment. 3 The problem has now been solved, but what concerns me with these PSS glands is the small tolerances involved and the drastic effect they have when they are out of alignment. Stern gear is something we take for granted, it’s often very inaccessible and it can be worrying to think water is kept out of your boat just by a rubber seal. 4 Suggestionsas to how we can more easily check these difficult to access items would be very welcome…
5 And yes, in case anyone’s wondering, the bilge pump has been repaired and we are going to fit an electric bilge pump as well before we sail next season.