Shaft Seals

The propeller shaft seal is a critical component on any inboard-powered vessel, responsible for preventing seawater from entering the hull where the propeller shaft passes through. Traditional stuffing boxes rely on compressed packing material that requires regular adjustment and always allows some degree of dripping. Modern dripless mechanical shaft seals eliminate this maintenance burden entirely, keeping the bilge dry and giving the vessel owner peace of mind.

Luxfords is the Australian distributor for the PSS (Packless Sealing System) shaft seal, the world's most widely installed dripless mechanical seal. The PSS seal uses a precision-machined carbon flange running against a polished stainless steel rotor to create a watertight, maintenance-free seal. Unlike lip seals that wear over time and eventually leak, the PSS seal is self-adjusting and designed for tens of thousands of engine hours of reliable service. PSS seals are approved by major classification societies and specified by leading boat builders worldwide. Luxfords stocks the full range of PSS seals covering shaft diameters from 25mm to over 100mm, along with replacement carbon flanges and spare parts.

Installing a PSS seal is a straightforward process for most vessels, and the seal can be retrofitted to replace an existing stuffing box without modifying the stern tube. Luxfords provides detailed sizing guidance based on the shaft diameter and stern tube bore, and can advise on installation procedures for both new builds and retrofit applications. For vessels with shaft misalignment or unusual stern tube configurations, the Luxfords technical team can recommend the appropriate PSS model and any additional components required.