I've searched and can't find an answer to this... I have a new generic 32" v-hull kit [link=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&it em=290309669369]eBay Listing Details[/link]. It has a typical solderless Bonzi flex shaft, ferule, and stubshaft (stinger) out back.

When I put the greased 3/16th flex shaft into the teflon tube, the gap seems normal - it doesn't bind, but there's very little play.
When I install the Teflon tube and flex shaft combo into the brass stuffing tube, there's a significant gap and a bit of play. If I run the motor at low rpm, the flex shaft spins inside the teflon as expected, but if I run it a little faster the teflon tube joins the flex shaft and spins inside the brass tube.

It's very new - just a few runs and lots of issues to work out - one of which is an inch of water in the hull upon the second run after greasing. The first run after greasing is water proof, second run, not so much.

I'm a little new at this, but I'm considering using rubber cement or silicone between the brass tube and teflon tube... is that a dumb idea? How else should I consider solving it?

Thanks for the input. -Mick

ive been having the same problem in my 44in monomine didnt have a teflontubing so i used teflon tape a wrapped the shaft. at the begining and the end of the stuffing tube i wrapped a little of teflon string around it and it seemed to help alot almost no water now just a few drops.

Hey, that's a great idea! I could imagine silicone really mucking things up. Thanks a lot.

I have this resolved. The gap in the flex shaft and teflon sleeve weren't really the problem. While pushing the teflon wrapped sleeve in I found that the brass stuffing tube was loose. Upon looking closer I was really disappointed in the workmanship in this hull assembly... It wasn't sealed and the hole looks like it was cut by a child learning to use a Dremel rotary saw. But I guess you get what you pay for... It was cheap.

Picture:

Spend $20 or so on a real flex shaft from ose.

The gap is a metric/ inch problem. combining metric brass tubing with inch sized flex cable & teflon. Best guess...

Nawww, no way they would use child labour [X(]

Hmm. So many to choose from. Don't really know what I'm looking for. But I think now that I sealed the brass tube in place, the leak should be fixed. I'll be running this weekend and will report back just for the record.

The boat you bought is made in china not alot of consistency with there quality I have recently purchased parts from the same guy you bought the boat from and the parts are great but im not suprised to hear of your troubles......I think you have solved your own problem the brass stuffing tube not being sealed in good will definatly cause a leak..and there should be a very small amount of clearance between the flex shaft and the teflon liner..personaly I dont like to run teflon it can get hot and wrap up around the flex shaft...if you have solved the leak issue just run it like it is and have some fun the winter is the time to rip bad stuffing tubes out and re work them....

I purposely used a low bond glue to make the seal but not entomb the darned thing forever! The teflon indeed gets hot indicating friction. Just testing it for a couple blips of the throttle got the entire shaft up to 90 F.

I'm a little green behind the gills (my first serious boat) and I don't know the best thing to buy but would like to replace it. The current shaft is 3/16ths or .187. I'll read up at the Off Shore Electrics info page and try to figure it out. Thanks for the help.