FP Series Stern Bearing with Packing Gland - 2-1/2" Shaft

Locating an older style outside of the stuffing box or stern tube packing box can be quite challenging. This is particularly the case if you are in search of genuine and original components to restore a classic "Downeast" style or Canadian workboat.

This is the reason why RE Thomas continues to produce the original Flax Pack Series of bronze stern bearing housings. While it is strongly advised to modernize your boat’s running gear with contemporary stern bearing housing and self-aligning shaft seal systems, it is acknowledged that some individuals prefer to maintain their vessel's authenticity and originality. These cast bronze "stuffing boxes" are designed with a packing gland body that compresses layers of packing material within the box, thereby forming a seal around the shaft while simultaneously functioning as a shaft bearing.

What Is an Outside Stuffing Box:
Originally, these packable stern bearings where intended to keep the entire envelope of water outside the boat. Due to the large rise and fall of the tide in Downeast Maine and Canadian Maritimes, these boxes worked fine because mariners could adjust the packing gland (sometimes daily) to control excessive leaking into the bilge.

As time went on, boat builders began building what we now know as “wet keel” boats and “dry keel” boats where the water envelop is brought inside the boat to help assist with cooling and lubricating the shaft.

Are Outside Stuffing Boxes Safe:
RE Thomas does not recommend outside stuffing boxes, but we still make them because so many boat owners trust them and want authentic replacement parts for their older wooden and fiberglass boats.

Give us a call today to discuss upgrading your older boat to a more modern (and safer) shaft bearing and sealing system and we’ll do our best convince you its the right thing to do. If you still insist on buying one of our traditional packable stern bearing housings, we’ll be happy to oblige.