Test drove a boat - worries

[s4forum18]

I test drove a 2002 210 GT40 SANTE today in the water. Boat ran fine, started up fine, etc. When we got back to the dry dock the engine had (bilge ran for 3 min) gallons of water. When we opened the engine compartment the gasket/bushing? that connects the driveshaft to the prop was squirting water when we touched it. The owner thought it was due to the colder than normal water temp (he hasn't taken it out all winter). Water temp was 50.00 degrees. The boat is in good condition, the only reason it is still on the water is due to our dry winter in CA. I am worried the owner is trying to push his problems onto us. On the water he told us he had never seen it before (then when we called him tonight he said he had seen it after a tubing session)..

Can anyone help me? We are having a hard time describing this piece. Has anyone had this problem and/or what does it mean?

Thanks! (trying to be a new owner)

[NautiqueJeff]

Sounds to me like a simple shaft packing adjustment or replacement. No big deal. Might want to check for a bent prop shaft or improper shaft alignment, but chances of either of those being present are somewhat slim. If it is just a packing adjustment, that can be done in about ten minutes. Replacement of the packing takes slightly longer. Getting to the packing in a v-drive is a bit tough, but can be done.

The packing can be purchased here:

http://www.nautiqueparts.com/packing...6-perfoot.aspx

[s4forum18]

Thanks. Doing a little more research it may be called the hemp packing around the prop (maybe thats the same thing you described).

[NautiqueJeff]

Yep, same stuff. Hemp/flax/Gore-Tex

[AirTool]

it used to be made from hemp rope...but all the crazy wake boarders would smoke it and render the boat useless.

so it got changed to something other

[MikeC]

What year did they go to the packless shaft seal? I have an '05 and it doesn't require, stuffing or adjustments.

[Quinner]

What year did they go to the packless shaft seal? I have an '05 and it doesn't require, stuffing or adjustments.

Not sure if the Packless Shaft Seal is "standard" equipment on any model/year CC specifically but it has been an available option for many years.

S4, if you do purchase that boat and the packing needs service you may want to consider changing it to a dripless seal. I would also be a bit concerned why it is leaking, it could simply just need a repack or adjustment however the cause could have been a result of running aground or a hit.

[NautiqueJeff]

I think it is standard on the v-drives now, but I don't think that happened until quite recently. I would be surprised if this '02 had a dripless shaft seal.

[AirTool]

... I would be surprised if this '02 had a dripless shaft seal.

Agree and I'm not sure the dripless install is worth the cost and effort IMO.

[firefighter]

It sounds like the packing gland is loose or the greased rope (used to be a waxed rope) needs changing which is cheap easy.

[acemech]

it used to be made from hemp rope...but all the crazy wake boarders would smoke it and render the boat useless.

So it got changed to something other

lol....

[Rick]

Yea. They added Teflon to it to make it more slippery and to cut down on the buzz... Ha Ha.

[shag]

Any one else have the munchies???

[AirTool]

Any one else have the munchies???

Not after the two Honey Buns and a pint of chocolate milk.

[Laptom]

I've changed to a dripless variant. It is worth the extra time and money imho! Takes 3hours and $125 dollar and a summer free of worries!