Gulfstar MK2 36 packing gland and stern tube

I have a 1977 36' Gulfstar MK2 It has dripless shaft seals installed. I was wondering if the original packing gland/nut was threaded to the stern tube as it entered the boat. Or was it of the self aligning type connected with a length of hose. From looking at the stern tube it seems the put the dripless bellows directly on the threads. I've included a photo of the layout. The bonding strap is off but will be replaced. I'm inclined to go back to packing and a gland nut. Less to go wrong and don't have to disconnect the shaft from the gearbox to repack.

Thanks
Roy

I don't know if your set up is original to the boat. From the research I have been doing on stern tubes, it was common in the '70s to have a large nut holding the tube and a packing gland on the end. If this is so, then yes, the bellows would be on the threads and it appears that it is.

Thanks for the reply. It is the what I was also thinking.

RTD said:

Thanks for the reply. It is the what I was also thinking.

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You're welcome.



I've often wondered if a barb fitting could be found to thread onto the tube. It would require bigger bellows but I don't see that being a problem.