An essential element to keep the boat afloat
The stuffing box ensures the sealing of a propeller shaft. It is therefore found on all motorboats or sailboats with in-line propulsion. Indeed, this installation requires a propeller shaft, a rotating shaft, which passes through the hull at the stern tube.
To ensure the watertightness and to prevent sea water from entering the hull, a gland is used. Originally, before the more modern glands, this metal part worked with oakum. There are still many boats that sail with this system. It is a fibrous braid that is wrapped around the shaft and locked in place in the gland.
To ensure a perfect seal, several pieces of gland are rolled up and pressed together with two bolts. This adjustment is important, because if not pressed hard enough, the gland will leak. Too much pressure can damage the shaft. During the life of the vessel, the gland is regularly tightened as it is worn by the friction of the shaft.
Prevent wear of the gland
It is precisely this wear and tear and especially the waste (powder and dust) it generates that MattChem proposes to combat with its P.E.21 product. This product is designed to degrease and deoxidize the cable gland. It eliminates grease and salt deposits and deoxidizes rust on metal. Finally, P.E.21 protects with a passivating action by phosphating.
Available in a spray bottle (500 ml - 16.50 euros), P.E.21 is applied directly to the cable gland and left to work for a few minutes. According to the manufacturer, the cable gland comes out like new!
