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Am I nuts to replace a Tides Dripless in the water?

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by autowerks, Oct 13, 2014.

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  1. autowerks, Oct 13, 2014
    #1
    autowerks

    autowerks Member

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    Location:
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    Long story short but my Tides Marine Strong Seal dripless fried on my starboard shaft the other day and needs to be replaced. The strong seal is no longer made so my plan is to replace it with a sure seal. The problem is I am in Chicago and all the local yards are busy hauling out for winter storage. Leaving me with the notion that I can do this in water. The boat is a 55 Ocean and I think I will have enough room to slide the shaft back about six inches, remove the strong seal and install the sure seal...quickly.
    The main reason I am considering this is that I may stay in the water this winter or move it to Michigan for storage. Thoughts?
  2. Capt Ralph, Oct 13, 2014
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    We just finished (I hope) a long thread on dripless logs. Please do some searches and check into all our past threads for what has already discussed on the products.
    I'm in the south so not local enough to help on your venue or schedules.
  3. Beau, Oct 13, 2014
    #3
    Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    I am presently change my Tides strongs to sure seal. Read my post re coupler/shaft removal. The water coming into you boat would put you on the bottom!
  4. Fishtigua, Oct 13, 2014
    #4
    Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    With Tides, we always fit a couple of spares on the shaft while it's off. Very easy to slide a new one on when the old one is worn.
  5. Beau, Oct 13, 2014
    #5
    Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    the new model allows the seal to be replaced without slipping the shaft. I think I still would do that out of the water?
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2014
  6. P46-Curaçao, Oct 13, 2014
    #6
    P46-Curaçao

    P46-Curaçao Senior Member

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    Me too, I would never take the risk to do this in the water!!
  7. Capt J, Oct 13, 2014
    #7
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Can't you find a yard that will let you sit in the slings, maybe overnight and you can do it after they're done with their travel lift for the day or something like that? I certaintly wouldn't do this in the water.