How long do you run your boats for at one time?

[flyboy320]

I am having an issue with water coming in through the stuffing tube and into the hull of my 26" hydro. I am running similar hardware as other people, but still get water in the hull. The only difference I can think of is that I run for about 6 min. at one time (sport running only, no racing). If I keep my runs down to 2-3 min., no water gets in. Its only after running for 3 min. or more that water starts to enter. I have tried all the usual things, shrink wrap around the strut, fuel tubing around the stuffing tube and resting on the flex cable, grease, etc. I have added another lead bearing in the strut (to double the bearing surface) and used the Octura shaft which has a long 3/16" shaft to ride in the bearing, but still getting water in

So should I expect more run time without any water in the hull, or does running any more than 3 min. most people will have this problem?

[ReddyWatts]

Use heat shrink over the drive line and strut connection. I also use a seal made out a grommet or water line between the prop and strut. Leave enough gap so that it does not bind at full power when the flex cable shortens.

If you do not use the prop seal, fill the drive tube with marine grease and use a short piece of water line inside of the hull over where the flex shaft exits the drive tube to form a seal.

Pressure test your cooling system.

[flyboy320]

Thanks ReddyWatts.

I have done all the things you have suggested, but still no go.

I have a 26" mono that doesn't have a teflon liner, just the flex cable running in the brass stuffing tube, (and its not nearly as tight a fit, with much more play between the 3/16" shaft and the strut, which doesn't even have a bearing in it), and no water gets in that setup. It's got me baffled...

[ReddyWatts]

Have you taped/sealed the hatch and dunked the hull in the tub?

Could the motor water jacket or water cooling tube be leaking after it gets hot?

Checked the hull for hairline cracks in pressure points?

[flyboy320]

I fairly sure its getting in through the stuffing tube, as after a run there is grease as well as water in the hull (and I usually only grease the first half of the cable near the prop). It almost seams like the water is being sucked up the tube somehow.

Never thought of the water cooler jacket leaking when hot, I'll look into that.

Cheers...

[ReddyWatts]

Is the drive dog diameter larger than the strut?

[Jeepers]

I fairly sure its getting in through the stuffing tube, as after a run there is grease as well as water in the hull (and I usually only grease the first half of the cable near the prop). It almost seams like the water is being sucked up the tube somehow.

Never thought of the water cooler jacket leaking when hot, I'll look into that.

Cheers...

Grease the whole cable it will help keep the water out, also if you are using a silicone water jacket use some battery heat shrink around it to keep it from expanding from the water pressure.

[andym]

I tape my hulls and then push them underwater in a warm bath,( yes I play with my boats in the bath! ) If there is a leak it will show a stream of bubbles due to the air in the boat heating up and expanding forcing it's way out. Have had a rigger that always leaked and this showed a hairline short frature in the seam. Hope this helps and is a good practice to get into before running a new boat.