After two weeks messing about with freezers and fridges and a bit of tourism we headed out for an overnight to one of the islands nearby.
Under headsail main and motor we pottered up the coast until I noticed a yellow light coming on intermittently on the engine dash. (remember this is a new boat to us). Took me a while to realise it was the bilge. Why is the bilge going on? Stern gland!
Quick trip below and opening up the engine doors and water is spurting everywhere.
Found some packing wrenches but could't tighten the gland nut much. Rather than take a risk (had no idea if there were new flaxes aboard) we returned to the marina where I called the previous owner and discovered that the packets of flaxes wouldn't fit anyway but if I undid the nut at the back - I'd be able to tighten more. Did this and now all fine but it leaves us with a dilemma.
Last year on Mico we hauled out and put in a dripless seal. Works a treat but its a 3 day trip up the coast here in Borneo for a haul out and we were hoping not to have to do it for another 12 months or so.
A few years back I had a 60' Roberts Ketch that had a grease nipple on the packing gland. All I did was give two pumps and no leaks whatsoever.
I have a good tap and die and drill set aboard here in Borneo. Could I simply (in water) drill and tap a hole into the bronze packing gland and then thread a nipple and grease it?
All thoughts welcome,
Fair winds,
Mico Australis