Shaft packing assembly question

[DRIFTER31]

I need to expose more shaft to put a split coupling on and am installing the stud type packing assembly also. Question. How close can i cut the rubber tube between the packing assembly and hull. i have about 4in.inbetween now. I dont have the engines in this boat is being repowered.31Tiara I guess i could buy longer shafts and just install the engines a little foward, but i would rather not. HELP GURUS !!!!!

[scot]

I don't know what the official ratio is, but I have a boat with a very tight engine installation and the hose is so short that the brass pieces are about 1/2" apart. It's a 1 3/8" set up. I have had zero problems in 5 years, doesn't seem to have any impact on the packing system.

I will say that from the strut to trans flange, including the thru-hull/shaft log fitting is dead-on and were very accurately centered when I built it. I had a split bushing machined to fit around the shaft to center the shaft log during installation. I would expect that if your alignment is not dead on the additional hose lenght would help compensate for any misalignment.

[DRIFTER31]

Thanks for the advice. Info like that is invaluable. Nothing like getting real life info !!! Thanks TROY 31TIARA "DRIFTER"