Tides Marine SureSeal Dripless Self-Aligning Shaft Seal System
Tides Marine SureSeal is a dripless and self-aligning shaft seal system developed to provide reliable sealing around the propeller shaft on inboard-powered vessels. It is positioned as a replacement for traditional stuffing box flax packing solutions and focuses on reducing friction and simplifying maintenance requirements.
Product Overview
SureSeal is a sealing system that operates in the area between the propeller shaft and the stern tube. With its dripless operation target, it helps reduce oily/watery accumulation in the bilge and supports a more organized maintenance routine around the shaft. The system supports a wide size range for different vessel types.
Reduced Maintenance Workload
A simpler operating approach compared to traditional packing adjustment and leakage control.
Self-Aligning Structure
A more stable operating approach in cases of minor deviations in shaft alignment.
Spare Seal Carrier
With proper installation, an option that makes it easier to replace the worn lip seal without separating the shaft.
Key Advantages
- Dripless operation target: Helps reduce water/oil accumulation in the bilge.
- Wide size range: Supports shaft sizes from 25–160 mm 1"–8".
- Spare seal carrier system: Makes lip seal replacement more practical.
- Cooling alternative for twin-engine vessels: With the suitable model, dual water injection connections and cross-over line installation can be planned.
- Focused on reducing service cost: Less leakage, less adjustment need, and a cleaner operating area.
Main System Components
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Injection Connection | The connection point used to supply the system with cooling/lubrication water. |
| Removable Front Cap | A cap structure that makes access to the lip seal easier during service. |
| Lip Seal | The seal element that provides sealing around the shaft and can be replaced depending on wear. |
| Spare Seal Carrier | A carrier component that keeps the spare lip seal set ready on the shaft. |
| Red Installation Hat | An auxiliary part that helps the seals seat properly during installation without damage. |
| Stern Tube | The tube section where the propeller shaft passes through the hull; the system is selected according to this area’s dimensions. |
Spare seal carrier kits include the “lip seal” and the cap/carrier parts that protect the seal.
Akel Marin Installation & Application Process
In SureSeal applications, Akel Marin focuses on correct sizing and safe installation: shaft size, stern tube size, minimum installation distance, and cooling water line planning are evaluated together. If requested, spare seal carrier installation can also be planned from the beginning to make future service operations easier.
- Size check: Clarifying shaft and stern tube dimensions.
- Layout planning: Evaluating installation distance and service access for cap/seal replacement.
- Water line planning: Supplying the water injection connection and, on twin-engine vessels, the cross-over line option.
- Commissioning: Initial operation, sealing check, and thermal control.
- Maintenance plan: Periodic inspection, seal wear monitoring, and spare parts planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which shaft sizes does SureSeal support?
What does the spare seal carrier do?
How is cooling planned on twin-engine vessels?
Let’s choose the right SureSeal solution for your vessel
Based on your shaft/stern tube dimensions, we can determine the correct kit and proceed quickly with an installation plan and clear quotation.