Taking on water

[James]

So today I pulled the 2000 launch ss out for a lake run and maybe a few sets. Water was freezing even with a wet suit... Anyways as soon as I backed the boat in I noticed there was a steady stream of water coming in from where the shaft goes through the floor. Not a few drops every couple seconds- a small stream. The bottom of the boat filled up in just an hour and a half. Anyways I was just wondering what y'all suggested me do and if I can do this myself- I really want to avoid taking it somewhere just because of my limited budget being 17, and would really appreciate some advice. Thanks!

[DAFF]

EZ fix. Needs a new waxed cord which fits inside the jam nut. They will deteriate and leak just like you have experienced. Do a search it has been well documented here before.

[haugy]

Yep go to www.skidim.com and they can fix you up with a new seal.

[suprasam]

how do you know what rope size to buy? I was thinking about doing this in the next month. (sry to hijack)

[James]

I've done some reading and I read somewhere that most direct drives are a 1/4" and v drives needed a 3/16"... But I'm not sure how accurate that is. So does this one look on for my boat?
http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=GFO1/4X24

[jzelt]

While it is more than likely the issue, have you tried tightening the packing nut to buy you some time? I go a little tighter than hand tight to start. If you are as tight as it goes, then you are overdue for packing change.

[Ptownkid]

1" shaft uses 1/4" rope, the 3/16" is for the 1-1/8" shafts.