SureSeal Dripless Shaft Seal - 3" Shaft - 4-1/2" Stern Tube

The Tides Marine SureSeal™ Shaft Seal is a drip-free, self-aligning propeller shaft seal that is OEM equipment on many well-known brands and types of vessels.
It is designed to seamlessly replace old-style flax packing assemblies, as well as face seal dripless units on inboard engine propeller shafts on power and sail boats.

The Tides S-glass and epoxy resin housing contains a precision-machined Teflon® bearing that keeps the lip seal aligned with the propeller shaft. The oil-resistant nitrile rubber lip seal prohibits water from entering the bilge, while the low-friction water-lubricated Teflon alignment bearing allows the propeller shaft to turn freely.

The SureSeal is available for propeller shaft sizes ranging from 1 inch up to 8 inches, and from 25 millimeters to 160 millimeters.

The SureSeal is cooled by water injected into the fitting via an integral 316 stainless steel injection port.
For twin engine vessels, we recommend the SureSeal model with dual injection fittings so a passive crossover line can be installed between the two SureSeal shaft seals. This way, if you are trolling or have a breakdown on one engine, cooling and lubricating water is still being supplied to the SureSeal on the idle engine.

Installing the SureSeal is easy thanks to its “articulating hose”. This hose design automatically positions the SureSeal the correct distance from the stern tube. No measurements are required – installation is simple. The articulating hose reduces side loads to the SureSeal if there is any shaft misalignment. As a result, both the lip seal and bearing life are extended.

If you install an optional Spare Seal Carrier Kit at the same time you install the SureSeal shaft seal, when the time comes, you will be able to change the Lip Seal in the water. No need to break the coupling or haul the vessel.
Note - Dimension "C" in the spec table (and the shaft seal installation illustration) includes the optional Spare Seal Carrier that is shown in the illustration. If no Carrier is used, you should subtract 1 inch from "C" to determine the minimum distance from coupling to shaft log.
• Spare Seal Carriers are sold separately. See Accessory Products, below.

The only information needed to purchase a SureSeal shaft seal is your propeller shaft diameter, the OD of your stern tube and that you have verified that there is enough room between the end of the stern tube and the coupling to install the SureSeal.

Features –
• Minimal scheduled maintenance
• Worn lip seals are replaceable while in the water (with Spare Seal Carrier Installed)
• No Winterization is necessary but winterization fluids will NOT harm the SureSeal
• Easy to Install
• Fiber-reinforced composite housing is strong, compact, and durable; it may be round or pentagonal, depending on size
• Integral Teflon® bearing is tough and long lasting
• Removable front cap allows access to the lip seal, making it easier to remove and replace, especially in cramped quarters
• Included 316 stainless steel, solid-band hose clamps won't tear or mar the hose surface and require less tightening force
• Cooled with injected water; the crossover line in twin engine installations provides adequate water for both seals, even if one engine is down
• ABS and Lloyds Type approvals
• 2-year or 2500 hour limited warranty

Dripless shaft seals, from any manufacturer, require an external fluid to provide cooling and lubrication.
For this purpose, Tides Marine makes Cooling Water Pick-Up Kits which tap into your engine's raw water cooling system. When you purchase any Tides Marine dripless shaft seal, be sure to also purchase one of their Cooling Water Pick-Up Kits. See Accessory Products, below.

Please note – If your propeller shaft is older and in poor condition with packing grooves, tool marks, rust or pits in the area where the seal will ride on the shaft, then the Tides SureSeal is not recommended as a lip seal requires a smooth shaft surface to effect a seal. A "Face Seal" style shaft seal will work better in this instance.

Also note – the SureSeal is not recommended for use with engines that have less than 4 cylinders.