The Shaft Seal Saga
The saga started with me wanting to have some works carried out while the boat was still in UK waters, because my french is terrible. The idea was to replace the standing rigging, have the keel blasted, epoxy coated and the copper coat reinstated.
Rudder Inspection - Solid Layup
The rudder would become part of the scope following an advisory from the surveyor and a subsequent question from the insurers. An inspection window was cut into the rudder, the yard would report back with the following:
“We have cut out an inspection area to see inside. There is no foam filling, it’s a solid resin/glass moulding. We have found no sign of moisture.”
This was great news to hear. Not only was it found to be solid, but didn't require a rebuild either - onto the keel.
PART TWO - SHAFT SEAL
The Keel works complete, it seemed relatively straight forward and it was(ish). She was launched with all the work complete a day before our return in November. In the afternoon of arrival we found approximately 10 litres of water in the bilge, this seemed quite reasonable after a few months. The following morning there was another 2 - 3 litres, uh oh. The source was found to be the the shaft seal, specifically the 'Mane Craft Deep Sea Seal'. During our viewing of SANITY it was the one thing that I really didn't like and happened to be the very first thing I'd replaced on our previous sailing boat. This could be a long story, and in order to keep it reasonably short - the outcome would see the engine removed, the shaft tube cut out and replaced, the shaft replaced and an 'off the shelf' Volvo drip less shaft seal installed. The yard did a great job. Thank you Roger.
