If you’re in the nautical industry or a keen hobby sailor, you’ll know how important your shaft seals are to the performance and function of your vessel. Seals have grown in popularity in recent years, replacing the more traditional packing glands or stuffing boxes for keeping out water and retaining the integrity of your rudder and hull. PSS Shaft Seals don’t require shaft scoring or flax replacement, and they are much less likely to breach and leak, making them the ideal choice for the savvy sailor.
Motoring through Gaios
Choosing PSS Shaft Seals
Packless Sealing System (PSS) shaft seals are chosen for their ease of use and management, although they are often misleadingly sold as a maintenance-free option. If you don’t take good care of your seals, you will find that they wear out much more quickly and that you’re risking damage. Therefore, it is essential to make sure you check and maintain regularly. With a little know-how and regular checks, you can ensure that your seals last for a good five to six years before replacement is needed. Don’t get caught out by a serious repair problem: catch the issue quickly, and you can avoid full replacement of your seal system.
Before you set off – essential advice
If you’re setting out on a journey, whether a fishing trip or a pleasure cruise, make sure you’ve got your PSS maintenance kit on board before you leave. These kits typically consist of the O-rings, screws and rubber seals you’ll need to make repairs on the move. This will ensure you get safely back to port. Seals take two different forms: you can obtain both lip seals and face seals. You’ll find that lip seals need replacing more often and require a little more looking after. Whichever type you have, carry out six-monthly checks as part of your boat care routine. If you do discover a problem while you’re out and about, there’s plenty you can do to solve the problem. Repair kits are also available for temporary fixes, which should get you safely into the harbour where a full replacement can be carried out.
With a shaft seal system, water should never be able to pass between the two surfaces, even if one is moving. Water pressure maintains the position, keeping the vessel afloat and helping to turn in the rudder. While travelling, you should never be able to hear a noise from the system, and the only water should be slight spray if anything. Squeaking or squealing from the seal is a sign of overheating and should be dealt with immediately from a still position. Your seal care kit will assist with this task, so make sure you’ve brought it along.
Checking your shaft seals
Any keen sailor knows that regularly checking and maintaining your vessel is key to catching any problems before they cause further damage. In this respect, checking the seals carefully before each routine journey is key, along with the other essential parts of your boat. When you’re making checks of your seal, look out for signs of age or chemical deterioration and for cracks or damage in the system. If spotted, make sure you change the affected parts right away – don’t set out on a faulty seal. If well-maintained and cared for, PSS Shaft Seals are the perfect choice for nautical contractors and sailing enthusiasts who want a reliable, low-maintenance option. Choose a Packless Sealing System and save yourself the time and effort associated with traditional packing systems and stuffing boxes. They’re available in a range of sizes for any application, with rudder diameters for any light to medium-sized vessel.