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Old 04-21-2014, 11:09 PM   #10
sunchaser
Guru
 
City: Carefree, Arizona
Vessel Name: sunchaser V
Vessel Model: DeFever 48 (sold)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,186
Quote:
Originally Posted by ActiveCaptain View Post
I replaced my PSS seals last year at 11 years. I know the guys at PSS (they provided the first "points" awards for ActiveCaptain). I asked them a few years ago if the 6 year life was for real. They said that it usually lasts about 10 if you keep everything clean and check the rubber boot often for cracking. When I replaced mine, there still was no cracking but the boat was being hauled and I figured I was pushing my luck.

I had about 4,000 hours on them at replacement.

This seems to jibe with what my local yard (Philbrooks) has found.

One of their clients on a recent cruise in Mexico had some issues with the retaining screws backing off allowing the seal to slip with resultant heavy water inflow. So during our haul out earlier this month zinc collars were placed forward of the ring to double up the retaining grip. P/F does it this way too as I recall. The bellows are in remarkable shape and nary a drop of water has ever appeared.
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