Marine Shaft Packing

Traditional stuffing boxes seal the propeller shaft with rings of packing that must drip slightly to stay cool. GFO packing, made from a PTFE and graphite fiber, runs with less friction and heat than flax, so it can be adjusted to drip much less. eMarine stocks GFO marine shaft packing from 1/8 inch (4 mm) to 3/4 inch, in 2 foot and 30 inch lengths.

How to choose shaft packing size

• Measure the gap: packing size equals the space between the shaft and the stuffing box bore (bore minus shaft, divided by two).
• Count the rings: most stuffing boxes take three or four rings.
• Length: each ring needs about 3.14 times (shaft diameter plus packing size), plus a little extra.
• Rudder posts: the same packing can be used in rudder stuffing boxes.

Why is GFO packing better than flax?

It creates less friction and heat, lasts longer and lets you run the stuffing box with very little drip. Read our GFO shaft packing guide.

Is GFO packing safe for bronze and stainless shafts?

GFO is widely used on bronze and stainless shafts. Follow the break-in steps in the guide when you install it. See also GFO products.