Hancock, ME — R.E. Thomas Marine Hardware, a leading innovator of marine hardware and driveline components, is thrilled to unveil its latest heavy-duty propeller shaft seal, the Stubby Pro.
Innovation Meets Old World Reliability
Nominated for an innovation award as part of this year’s International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), the Stubby Pro is a water-fed, self-aligning shaft seal . The goal is to offer boaters a trustworthy, heavy-duty alternative to so-called “dripless” face seals and lip seals that have proliferated the boating world over the last two decades.
Inspired by the success of our original SA Series shaft seals in the commercial fishing fleets of New England, the Stubby Pro is engineered to deliver the same benefits in a compact profile that fits most stern tube configurations.
Stubby Pro shaft seals are designed to be low maintenance, with limited failure points while maximizing performance and safety. There are no stainless rotors to slip, no bellows to rip or lose compression, no set screws cutting into the shaft, no O-rings to fail, no carbon stators to crack, and no flimsy hose fittings.
The Problem with “Dripless” Shaft Seals
For nearly 100 years, mariners have relied on the simplicity and bulletproof reliability of traditional flax-packed stuffing boxes. However, as vessels became more powerful and faster, stuffing boxes would starve of critical cooling water resulting in the flax packing burning up and failing. Even at lower speeds, traditional stuffing required frequent drips of water (into the bilge) to keep the packing material cool.
Modern dripless shaft seals were developed to address the cooling and dripping issues and they do a great job when properly installed and maintained. The problem is they are complicated, more difficult to inspect and service, and have more potential failure points that could result in catastrophic failure.
Like R.E. Thomas’s original SA Series shaft seals, the Stubby Pro combines the reliability of a traditional stuffing box with the benefits claimed (though not always delivered) by “dripless” style seals. Its compact profile (up to 30% shorter than our SA Series) allows for installation in a wider variety of vessels whose owners want a more reliable shaft seal but up until now didn’t have the room.
Not only is the Stubby Pro water-fed to prevent starvation at higher speeds, but it is also engineered to take advantage of advancements in packing material technology. Modern packing has significantly better heat dispersion properties allowing for a watertight seal around the propeller shaft without significantly increasing friction or excessive heat generation.
Experience the difference and discover why many of the world’s finest boat builders, service yards, and marine mechanics trust RE Thomas’s shaft seals. Stop worrying about your dripless shaft seal and get the peace of mind you deserve.
Sizing Chart | Specifications
We’ll Be at IBEX!
Stop by our booth at the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference October 3rd through October 5th. We’ll be at booth 1-914 on the first floor. In addition to our Stubby Pro shaft seals, we’ll have our complete line of marine hardware and accessories on display including our Piranha Dual Line Cutters and our award winning Bronze Deck Plates.
Availability of Stubby Pro Shaft Seals:
R.E. Thomas Marine Hardware has already begun accepting orders for Stubby Pro shaft seals. Order now and take advantage of our exclusive introductory pricing.
About R.E. Thomas Marine Hardware:
R.E. Thomas Marine Hardware is a renowned industry leader specializing in the development and manufacture of heavy-duty marine hardware and driveline components. For over 50 years, our commitment to innovation and excellence has earned us a reputation for delivering premium products that redefine safety, performance, and reliability. We are proud to be an OEM supplier of shaft seals, rudder ports, propeller shafts, engine couplers, line cutters, deck plates, and shaft bearings to many of the world’s finest boat builders.
For more information on any of our products, contact our team at sales@retmarine.com or give us a call at (207) 422-6532.
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