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Morgan 383 stern tube (FRP shaft log tube) seam on bottom

Tim Eichel

Member
My shaft log hose was leaking aft. When I removed it while in the water ( stuffed plumbers putty and water proof tape around cutlass bearing) there was a seam at the bottom of the stern tube where the circle completes. The seam was 1/8" deep and about the same width.

Has anyone else noticed this on their boat?
I wonder if it is factory or a repair.

Anyway, I replaced the shaft log hose but it still leaks. I'm assuming it's that seam allowing water to pass. My plan is to take the hose off and fill in that seam with Marine Tex.

Anyone have a better idea?

Thank you
Tim
 
Tim,

I have not noticed a seam on Pilgrim's (1979 M382 Hull 115) shaft long.

Is the seam on the outside of the shaft log or the inside? Guessing outside since it leaks with hose is on.

If it is the inside, then it may not be a seam. It may be a cut made me some previous owner using a sawsall to remove a stuck cutlass bearing. Cutting through the cutlass with a sawsall is a method of extracting a stubborn cutlass. In extreme cases two cuts can be made to free the cutlass bearing.

Are you planning on making this repair in the water or while hauled out? If hauled out (shaft log dry) then I suggest using epoxy thickened with cabosil and microfibers rather than Marine Tex.

Jeff
 
Tim,

I have not noticed a seam on Pilgrim's (1979 M382 Hull 115) shaft long.

Is the seam on the outside of the shaft log or the inside? Guessing outside since it leaks with hose is on.

If it is the inside, then it may not be a seam. It may be a cut made me some previous owner using a sawsall to remove a stuck cutlass bearing. Cutting through the cutlass with a sawsall is a method of extracting a stubborn cutlass. In extreme cases two cuts can be made to free the cutlass bearing.

Are you planning on making this repair in the water or while hauled out? If hauled out (shaft log dry) then I suggest using epoxy thickened with cabosil and microfibers rather than Marine Tex.

Jeff

Hi Jeff, thank you for the reply. Yes the seam is on the outside. It looks like they tried for a circle but didn't quite make it.

I like your advice on a repair out of the water. Is there an epoxy that will cure on a damp surface? I would like to try and get it repaired in the water at least for now.
 
Tim , Use Epoxy Good old West epoxy for a fast use the X- 10 I love that stuff ! I always carry a tube in spares
 
Jeff & Tim
If the "seam" or "cut" that Tim is talking about is on the end of the shaft log on the inside of the boat at the packing gland, then it wouldn't be the result of someone using a saw to remove the cutless bearing. Could it possibly be that the shaft log is cracked? That doesn't sound right either because a crack most likely wouldn't open up to 1/8" wide. I'd be interested to know if "seam" extends along the whole length of the shaft log to the cutless bearing end outside the boat. This is an interesting dilemma.

Jim
 
I plan to replace this hose next month when I haul out. What id (ID) did you buy for your replacement.
 
Bill
I replaced the stuffing box hose using 2 1/4" ID USCG Type A-2, SAE J1942 hose. The problem was that the OD of the shaft log tube was larger than the OD of the bronze stuffing box fitting. The solution was to use the bolt type hose clamps and tighten extra hard on the stuffing box side. It works fine, just that the job became harder than if the both ODs were the same.

Jim
 

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Buck Algonquin Packing Box Hose, 2-1/4" 80H0225, made specifically for the application. Available in 4 1/2 in. or 12 in. sections.
 
Thanks for the info. I'm heading up to the States in a couple of weeks and want to get the part while there. Not a lot of alternatives down here.
 
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