[ndutton]

Continued tightening of worn packing only serves to add drag to the shaft, does not manage drip for very long and at some point damages the shaft surface which will affect the replacement packing's ability to seal properly. You may even impart enough drag to stall the engine at low RPM. Since this boat is new to you it's doubtful you know the age of the current packing so based on your first post and the benefit of "making the boat yours" I suggest the time has come for replacement. You'll be amazed at how little pressure it takes for fresh packing to seal properly.