June 11, 2020 - Urgent unplanned Stop in Puerto Vallarta


June 11, 2020 - Stuffing Box Failed and seawater leaking into the engine room about 7:00 am PST. 

The stuffing box has shifted forward along the drive shaft, about 2", and is almost completely separated from the stern tube (metallic tube on the right side of photo).   With the black press-bushing almost completely showing out of stern tube there remains only 1/4" of the stuffing box engaged in the stern tube!  

While the high water alarm was sounding, the bilge pump was able to keep up with the water coming in from the stern tube, and water never submerged the bilge pump.  

NO - the boat was not in imminent danger of sinking - but it does stir those fears.

Captain Nikolay and crew were able to quickly perform damage control and rig a repair.  The bilge pump is able to keep up with the leak, and there are additional options to pump water should this turn into a significant emergency using: the engine, both generators, AC pumps, water maker pump and wash down pump.

Headed to Puerto Vallarta to have the boat hauled, inspected and repaired.  With help from Nikolay's brother Assen, a mechanic - Ed West, is lined up and awaiting the arrival of the boat.  Will be in Puerto Vallarta late tonight and expect to be hauled first thing tomorrow.

While unplanned, a relief to have competent crew, shore help, a close boatyard and an experienced mechanic at the ready.  Ed has worked on other Selenes and had recently refitted Pura Vida with a PYI shaft seal.  

Positive events - I think we have a guardian angel:
  • We have a mechanic that is qualified to fix Raven at Puerto Vallarta
  • Raven is only 100 nm off Puerto Vallarta (versus a closed port)
  • The one day delay keeps the boat at dock enabling John to fly immediately home
  • John Rains was the Captain on the prior TIP and could provide authorization for Raven
  • The prior, active, TIP was located enabling import of Raven
  • Successfully made it around three tropical depressions
  • Lightening strike within one boat length of Raven - no damage
  • Nikolay and Camo are able to do a repair as John Captains the boat
  • Re-fueling was looking grim - thanks to the canal agent we are able to get fuel at Shelter Bay
  • Avoided pirates off Nicaragua - possibly the sea state help to discourage any nearby pangas
  • Geary and Lois make the right choice to step off 
  • We were able to find a harbor where we could stop and evaluate the boat and crew

Failed stuffing box!  Note the seperation where the black sleeve is showing.

Temporary fix to get the boat to port!





What the stuffing box looked like before failure.





We will be looking into adding a hydraulic driven pump for the engine bilge area.



Location: Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

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