02/02/2026
Spotted: Leaking Shaft Seal
A leaking shaft seal occurs where the propeller shaft exits the hull and is usually caused by worn packing or seal faces, aging rubber bellows, misalignment between the engine and shaft, debris damage, or improper adjustment or installation; the leak may appear as anything from a slow drip to a steady flow and, if left unaddressed, can lead to excessive bilge water, corrosion, bearing damage, or flooding risk. The appropriate remedy depends on the seal type: traditional stuffing boxes may be corrected by proper adjustment or repacking with new packing material, while dripless shaft seals typically require inspection of the bellows, seal faces, and cooling or vent lines, with replacement recommended if components are worn or past their service life. In all cases, engine and shaft alignment should be verified, as misalignment accelerates seal failure and can cause recurring leaks even after repair.
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