Packing box

[OCsails]

When is a better time to re stuff the packing box when the engine is out
(ours is out being overhauled at this time) Or when the boat is hauled out?
Were going to take our Cat 27 out of the water for bottom paint next month.
Thanks

[Don Moyer]

OCsails,

I definitely recommend re-packing the stuffing box while the boat is out of the water.

Don

[jhwelch]

I had my motor out in Jan and it was the best time to replace the
packing. I took the prop off and pulled the shaft out through the
engine space with the coupling still attached. Getting the coupling
off in my small engine "room" is just about impossible so changing the
packing this way was a great time saver.

-jonathan

[OCsails]

We have pretty good access but I was concerned with water coming in the boat while your trying to work. Better get the corks and surf wax
The engine is almost ready to go back in after an overhaul. This was a good time to paint the grungy engine compartment and make some needed repairs that usually are hard to get to. The next mission on "project boat" is solving the electrical mysteries.
Anybody know a good marine electrician in Orange County CA?

[baileyem]

It is definitely better to repack the shaft when the boat is out of the water, but be ready to check it for leaks and make adjustments to the packing nuts as soon as you do put the boat into the water.