Stern tube was major problem in season 2019. West Wind did sail most of the time with the wind, but also many miles with engine, auxiliary power. This was all the time a bit irritating, because of leaking stern tube.
Westwind is a sailboat with inboard engine. Originally she was build with 6Hp 2 stroke petrol engine, but later some owner have change it to Diesel and choose 8Hp Yanmar. This has caused a problem, that shaft must be shorter and stern tube connection have to be fixed to the right length. Because of these changes, tube is very hard to keep waterproof.
Stern tube is tallow tape model, and is working very well, when all components are in good shape and user remember to add grease every now and then. If you find small tiny leaking, it is normal, but it have to be a very small leak.
Repairing stern tube
By removing old rubber tube from stern tube and searching for a new and make it to fit, took a while more time than was expected. First it was not so clear what kind of material is accepted to use here, but most of all, what could last enough long and be trustful.
The rubber that was strong enough, is also used in tractor engine. It is strengthen with metal wire, so it will tolerate more small bending. This part will keep the sea on the other side of the hull.
This repairing will be confirmed as success, when boat is lifted back to water. Only then we can be sure, is this leaking or is it made properly. I believe, that i have made it right. Hopefully.
Shaft flange does not fit
Shaft is 25mm thick and flange is maid for 25mm shaft. What was wrong?
It was a huge operation to get it to fit, because tolerances was extremely small in this installation. My engine, what is going to be as new for me, was delivered with own flange for engine and shaft was self made. First installation for these was ended in failure, so i removed all parts and walk to car repair shop and let them put Flange to lathe.
I could not use any heating option inside the boat, because part of shaft is still in “use” and to keep environment enough safe for fire working, was not easy task.
Flange is in bad shape after two try to fit it on the shaft. Now, the only option was to make it to fit, and so did happen. Thanks goes to Matinkylän Auto Oy, where they have knowledge and talented people in work.
Finally, stern tube was fixed properly and flange installed to the shaft. Thank you me.
Now, i was able to move further with scheduled workload for boat before season.
Sailing West wind 