PSS Shaft Seal 3" Shaft - 5-1/2" Stern Tube 02-300-512

3" Shaft - 5-1/2" Stern Tube

The PSS Shaft Seal is the #1 selling marine mechanical seal worldwide and is installed as standard equipment by many of the worlds most reputable boat builders and boat yards. The PSS Shaft Seal is also recognized as the premiere retrofit (aftermarket) seal on the world market. Boat builders and boat yards recognize the advantages and value of installing the PSS as it eliminates the maintenance, constant adjustment & cost associated with traditional packing type glands. Aside from these benefits, the PSS Shaft Seal helps to eliminate water in the bilge (100% water tight) & wear to the propeller shaft. 

How Does it Work?

1. Two nitrile o-rings seal the stainless steel rotor to the shaft and will not experience wear.

2. A primary set screw and a backup set screw (2 sets) are used to secure the stainless steel rotor to the shaft.

3. A seal is created between the two flat surfaces of the carbon stator and the stainless steel rotor.

4. Water is fed into the PSS Shaft Seal for cooling/lubricating the seal faces on high speed vessels.

5. The stationary carbon stator is attached to the nitrile bellow, which is attached to the stern tube (shaft log).

Rotor

The PSS stainless steel rotor is slid down the shaft and is secured to the shaft with set screws at 90° for maximum holding power. Precision tolerances are maintained by computer controlled lathes. The faces have a number 9 micro finish and are perpendicular to the bore to prevent run-out as the collar rotates. The carbon graphite stator will polish the face of the rotor during the first few minutes of operation. The stainless steel rotor should not need to be replaced under normal operating conditions. The stainless steel rotor used on the PSS Type A Shaft Seal is made from 316L stainless steel. 

Carbon Stator

The high density, resin impregnated carbon/graphite stator is a composite that is first mixed, molded and then formed under pressure. The blanks are then baked, machined and lapped. The face of our carbon is finished to a flatness of 4 helium light bands (measured .000044" of variation over entire lapped surface). The grade of carbon used in the PSS has an operating temperature over 500° Fahrenheit (+260° Celsius), and cannot melt if the seal runs dry, unlike a rubber lip seal or plastic face seal. The high density of the carbon greatly increases the longevity and wear resistance. Several commercial vessels have recorded over 40,000 (over 4-1/2 years of continuous operation) engine hours on the same, original components. The carbon should not need to be replaced under normal operating conditions. 

Bellow

The PSS Type A Shaft Seal bellow is made from rubber (Nitrile), and has a temperature rating of -25°F to +225°F (-31°C to +107°C). Nitrile is known for its resistance to weathering. Nitrile rubber is exceptionally resistant to oils and non-polar solvents. It also offers good gas impermeability, abrasion resistance, and better thermal stability than most general purpose elastomers. 

Hose Barb

For high speed vessels it is required that a positive water supply be plumbed to the PSS Shaft Seal for the purpose of lubricating and cooling the seal faces. There are many sources of water supply, review the PSS Shaft Seal Installation Instructions for more information and note all plumbing must follow the standards and practices of proper boat plumbing. In most cases a slow speed boat that does not have a bearing the shaft log does not require positive water feed and can simply be "vented". Ideally the vent line will be run at least 2-3 feet above the water line and is close to the center line as possible to ensure the vent hose is never below the water line, even if the boat heels. Review the PSS Shaft Seal Installation Instructions for more details on venting the seal.

Orders are processed within 2 business days, which includes verification, packing, and dispatch. Orders of $100 or more qualify for free shipping when eligible. For orders under $100, shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on destination, package weight, and selected service. International shipping is available for eligible products, and certain items may require additional handling, warehouse transfers, or may ship directly from the manufacturer, which can affect processing time.

Deliveries are handled by preferred carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and others depending on your location and selected service. Estimated delivery times are displayed at checkout and may vary due to customs processing, carrier delays, weather, postal disruptions, or other circumstances beyond our control. Once your order ships, you'll receive a confirmation email with tracking information. Tracking may take up to 24 hours to update on the carrier's website and is also available through your account when applicable.

We ship throughout the United States and to most international destinations for products eligible for international shipping. International orders may be subject to customs duties, taxes, brokerage charges, or other import fees, which are the customer's responsibility and are not included in the product or shipping price. PO Boxes are accepted only when shipping through USPS, and not all packages qualify for this option. If your order does not arrive within the estimated delivery window, please contact us at info@apollolighting.com or +1 (954) 375-0100 so we can assist with locating your package.

Learn more.

Returns may be requested within 30 days of receiving your order. Items must be unused, uninstalled, unaltered, and returned in their original packaging with all tags, packing materials, blank warranty cards, manuals, instructions, accessories, and included items. Certain products, including installed or used electronics, electrical components, lighting, consumables, custom or special-order items, cut-to-length products, safety equipment, and merchandise exposed to water or marine conditions, may not be eligible for return.

To request a return, sign in to your account and select the applicable order and items, and submit your request for review. Eligible unfulfilled items may also be submitted for cancellation within 1 hour of placing the order. Returns or cancellations are not considered approved until you receive confirmation from Apollo Lighting. Please do not ship or drop off merchandise before receiving return approval and instructions.

Customers are responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping unless the return is due to an error by Apollo Lighting or the item is verified as defective, damaged, or incorrect. Missing, damaged, defective, or incorrect items must be reported within 2 business days of delivery, and photos or other documentation may be required for review. If the issue is verified, Apollo Lighting may provide or reimburse return shipping and issue a replacement or refund depending on the circumstances. International customers are responsible for return shipping, duties, taxes, customs charges, brokerage fees, and other costs associated with an international return.

After your return is received and inspected, approved refunds are issued to the original payment method and may take 5-7 business days to appear after processing. Original shipping and handling charges are nonrefundable, and the value of any included free items that are not returned may be deducted from the refund. Apollo Lighting does not charge a standard restocking fee on eligible returns. Returns that are incomplete, damaged, installed, used, altered, improperly packaged, or otherwise do not meet the eligibility requirements may be refused. We recommend using a trackable and appropriately insured shipping service for all customer-arranged returns.

For assistance, contact info@apollolighting.com or call +1 (954) 375-0100.

Learn more.

Many products sold by Apollo Lighting include a manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty terms vary by brand, product category, and model, so eligibility, coverage duration, exclusions, and available remedies are determined by the applicable manufacturer. We recommend reviewing the warranty information provided with your product before installation or use, especially for marine electronics, navigation equipment, lighting, electrical systems, pumps, safety equipment, and other specialized marine products.

If you need warranty service, the claim must follow the process established by the manufacturer, authorized service center, or designated warranty provider. You may be asked for proof of purchase, a serial number, product registration, photos, maintenance or installation records, or other documentation. Apollo Lighting does not determine or modify a manufacturer's warranty coverage or final claim decision, but we are happy to help provide purchase information and direct you to the appropriate manufacturer or warranty resource.

Keep your receipt, product documentation, serial number information, and original packaging when practical. Damage caused by normal wear, misuse, improper installation, insufficient maintenance, corrosion, impact, unauthorized modifications, electrical issues, or operation outside the manufacturer's specifications may not be covered. Warranty claims are separate from standard returns, so a product that has been installed, used, or exposed to marine conditions may no longer qualify for return while still remaining eligible for evaluation under the manufacturer's applicable warranty.

Learn more.