Bulletin No. SB-00-06-15

RIDE THE DUCKS INTERNATIONAL
Fleet Operations & Safety
2320 West Highway 76
Branson MO 65616

Release Date: 6/15/15
Effective Date:6/15/15
Supersedes: N/A
Applicable to: All PSS systems
Total Pages: 6

SERVICE BULLETIN
REASON FOR RELEASE: To ensure the Prop Shaft Seal system (PSS) is properly installed and maintained. During multiple safety

inspections of various locations, the secondary set screw that secures the stainless steel rotor in place were found missing. The PSS
system kit comes with four (4) set screws for this purpose and one (1) spare. Two (2) are utilized to set the stainless rotor in place, one
set screw in each threaded hole. The additional two (2) set screws are to be threaded, one in each hole and tightened againstthe first
set screws. This will act as a locking device for the first set screws.
URGENCY: Medium - should the primary set screws fail to secure the rotor in place, the rotor could slide away from the carbon graphite
flange allowing water to enter the hull.
DIRECTIONS: Inspect all PPS systems and ensure two (2) set screws are in place in each threaded hole in the rotor. Immediately install
any missing set screws. See manufacturer installation instructions pg. 3-6.

NOTE: All work must be performed by qualified personnel. Use only authorized components, specified or provided by Ride The Ducks.
All applicable OSHA safety standards and safe industry practices must be observed. Observe all safety information contained in the
manufacturer's manuals. Make available this bulletin and all related technical information to personnel using the equipment.

CONTACT US VIA EMAIL
RTDI FLEET OPS HOTLINE: 417 266 7676
RTDI PARTS: 417 266 7626

Bulletin No. SB-00-06-15

RIDE THE DUCKS INTERNATIONAL
Fleet Operations & Safety
2320 West Highway 76
Branson MO 65616

Release Date: 6/15/15
Effective Date:6/15/15
Supersedes: N/A
Applicable to: All PSS systems
Total Pages: 6

NOTE: All work must be performed by qualified personnel. Use only authorized components, specified or provided by Ride The Ducks.
All applicable OSHA safety standards and safe industry practices must be observed. Observe all safety information contained in the
manufacturer's manuals. Make available this bulletin and all related technical information to personnel using the equipment.

CONTACT US VIA EMAIL
RTDI FLEET OPS HOTLINE: 417 266 7676
RTDI PARTS: 417 266 7626

Bulletin No. SB-00-06-15

RIDE THE DUCKS INTERNATIONAL
Fleet Operations & Safety
2320 West Highway 76
Branson MO 65616

Release Date: 6/15/15
Effective Date:6/15/15
Supersedes: N/A
Applicable to: All PSS systems
Total Pages: 6

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS- READ BEFORE STARTING!
IMPORTANT!-BEFORE STARTING YOUR INSTALLATION CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS.FAILURE TO
PROPERLY FOLLOW THE WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS COULD LEAD TO PERSONAL INJURY OR EVEN DEATH,OR
PHYSICAL,ENVIRONMENTAL OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
e READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY! The PSS (Packless Sealing System) Shaft Seal ("PSS") you are preparing
to install is a through-hull fitting that protects against water from entering the boat where the shaft enters the hull, when
properly installed and maintained. Make sure that you or your designated installer is a qualified professional, knowledgeable
and skilled to install the PSS correctly, and that you have all the required tools and additional equipment on hand before
beginning installation.
If removing the engine transmission for repair or if launching the boat without a transmission installed, then the shaft must be
•
kept in place with a device that will secure the shaft with the PSS below in its normal "compressed mode".
•
Install the PSS ONLY with the boat out of the water.
DO NOT USE oil, grease (petroleum products) or silicone products at any time during the installation. Use soap and water to
•
lubricate the o-rings of the rotor when sliding it down the shaft.
•
Clean the seal area of your boat so you do not contaminate the seal surface with dirt, oil or other foreign matter. Do not
damage or scratch the face of the carbon or the face of the stainless steel rotor during unpacking or while handling or installing
the PSS.
•
There should be a total of four (4) set screws in the two holes of the rotor (2 sets screws in each hole). If you must move the
stainless steel rotor, make sure to remove the top set screws in order to access the bottom two set screws.
•
Do not re-use the supplied cupped pointed set screws. If multiple tightening has flattened the cupped-point set screw, replace
the affected screw with a new one.
•
There should be a total of four (4) hose clamps securing the bellows ends. These clamps should be replaced if they show any
sign of corrosion.
•
Do not slide the aft bellow cuff too far down over the stern tube. The leading edge of the stern tube could cause damage to
the inner ribs of the bellow and improperly limit the bellow movement and travel.
If fitting a vent line (boats under 12 knots), do not run a loop at the top end of the hose as this could promote a siphon.
•
If the boat sits idle for a long period of time (generally 3 months or more), it is necessary to move the carbon face back to allow
•
a small amount of water to enter the boat.
As with any hose under the waterline, the PSS bellows must be inspected on a regular basis (i.e., no less than at least every 6
•
months under most circumstances) and checked for any signs of deterioration (cracks, splits, tears, brittleness, or other signs).
Upon any sign of deterioration the bellow must be replaced. As preventive maintenance the bellow should be replaced no less
than every six (6) years, regardless of its apparent condition.
•
Do not allow any petroleum-based liquid or corrosive material to come in contact with the PSS. Take care to ensure that this
does not occur, for example, when performing any general maintenance, or winterizing the engine.
•
The shaft should be near centered and run parallel to the shaft log.
•
Do not use an ozone generator (e.g., air cleaner) in or around your boat. The extra ozone will speed up the deterioration of any
rubber product, including the PSS bellow.
•
The bellows will need more frequent inspection and replacement in an environment where non-sealed batteries emit sulfuric
acid vapors. Sulfuric acid vapors will accelerate deterioration of any rubber materials including the PSS bellows.
•
Do not use sealant to fit the bellow to the stern tube or the hose to hose barb.
•
•

Do not run dry.
Do not use the PSS SEAL on a submarine vehicle.

NOTE: All work must be performed by qualified personnel. Use only authorized components, specified or provided by Ride The Ducks.
All applicable OSHA safety standards and safe industry practices must be observed. Observe all safety information contained in the
manufacturer's manuals. Make available this bulletin and all related technical information to personnel using the equipment.

CONTACT US VIA EMAIL
RTDI FLEET OPS HOTLINE: 417 266 7676
RTDI PARTS: 417 266 7626

Bulletin No. SB-00-06-15

RIDE THE DUCKS INTERNATIONAL
Fleet Operations & Safety
2320 West Highway 76
Branson MO 65616

Release Date: 6/15/15
Effective Date:6/15/15
Supersedes: N/A
Applicable to: All PSS systems
Total Pages: 6

COMPONENTS LIST

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Stainless Steel Hose Clamps (4)
Nitrile Bellow (1)
Carbon Graphite Flange (1)
Stainless Steel Rotor (1)
Stainless Steel Set Screws (5 total/ 4 for rotor, 1 spare)
Nitrile O-Rings (2 in rotor/ 2 spare)
Stainless Steel Hose Barb Fitting
Hose Barb Insert & Washers
Clamp Jackets (Hose clamp tail covers x4)

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

IN ALL CASES,THE BOAT MUST BE OUT OF THE WATER TO PERFORM THIS INSTALLATION.
1. Unbolt the shaft coupling from the transmission coupling.
2. Remove the shaft coupling from the shaft. Coupling styles will vary by manufacturer. Some couplings use set screws to keep the
coupling in place, while others use a roll pin and others use a nut (always use the appropriate tools and procedures for your particular
application).
3. Remove the old stuffing box and packing material. There are three types of packing glands that can be found on most boats: "Classic",
"Bolt On" and 'Threaded".
4. Clean the entire exposed portion of the shaft with very fine sand paper(# 400 or# 600 grit) in order to remove any debris or rough
edges. Pay particular attention to the keyway located at the forward end of the shaft, where the stainless steel rotor will pass. The shaft
and keyway must NOT have any sharp edges that could damage the o-rings upon installation.
5. Slide the open end of the bellow and its hose clamps down the shaft and onto the bare stern tube and make sure the bellow has a
proper fit over the shaft log. Once in place the bellow should overlap the stern tube by the same amount as the bellow cuff so the hose
clamps will properly tighten the bellow to the shaft log. WARNING: Do not slide the bellow cuff too far down and over the stern tube. If
the bellow is slid too far onto the stern tube the forward edge of the stern tube could damage the inner ribs of the bellow and
improperly limit the bellow's travel. Tighten the hose clamps to secure the bellow to the stern tube and fit the black clamp protector to
the tail of the hose clamps.
6. Make sure the carbon flange is in place on the forward end of the bellow and that the two hose clamps properly secure it. Also
confirm that the carbon is free of any defects or imperfections on its polished face.
7. Remove the stainless steel rotor from the protective pouch. Verify that there are two (2) o-rings placed into the o-ring grooves inside
the bore of the rotor. Confirm that the mating face of the rotor is free of any defects or imperfections. Take 2 (two) set screws from the
plastic bag, apply a drop of thread-lock (blue tube) to the thread of each set screw, and thread them.
WARNING: Two more set screws will need be installed at step 14. *Thread one screw into each hole, stopping just short of the screw
protruding into the inside bore of the rotor.
8. * Lubricate the shaft and o-rings of the rotor, and slide the stainless steel rotor down the shaft. Use a petroleum free liquid (e.g., a
dish soap/ water solution works well) as the lubricant. CAUTION: DO NOT USE OIL, GREASE OR SILICONE AS THE LUBRICANT.
9. Re-attach the shaft coupling to the shaft and make sure that all the safety devices provided and recommended by the coupling

manufacturer are in place.

10. Re-attach the shaft coupling to the transmission making sure that it is installed to the manufacturer specifications and tolerances.
Make sure all the safety devices provided and recommended by the coupling manufacturer are in place.

NOTE: All work must be performed by qualified personnel. Use only authorized components, specified or provided by Ride The Ducks.
All applicable OSHA safety standards and safe industry practices must be observed. Observe all safety information contained in the
manufacturer's manuals. Make available this bulletin and all related technical information to personnel using the equipment.

CONTACT US VIA EMAIL
RTDI FLEET OPS HOTLINE: 417 266 7676
RTDI PARTS: 417 266 7626

Bulletin No. SB-00-06-15

RIDE THE DUCKS INTERNATIONAL
Fleet Operations & Safety
2320 West Highway 76
Branson MO 65616

Release Date: 6/15/15
Effective Date:6/15/15
Supersedes: N/A
Applicable to: All PSS systems
Total Pages: 6

11. Now that the shaft is in place, verify that the carbon is centered on the shaft (note the carbon ring is bored at a larger diameter than
the shaft), verify that the bellow cuff is properly placed on the stern tube and verify that the shaft is near center in the shaft log. Adjust
so the PSS runs true with the shaft. Tighten all the hose clamps around the stern tube and the carbon.
12. Slide the stainless steel rotor down the shaft until it just TOUCHES the carbon. Mark this position on the shaft as the "neutral"
position with a marker or a piece of tape on the shaft just in front of the rotor.
13. Sliding the stainless steel rotor aft, compress the bellow by the amount indicated on the bellow compression chart, using the
"neutral" mark as a reference point. While keeping the bellow in the "compressed" position, tighten the two (2) set screws against the
shaft with the provided all en wrench (Use approximately 6 foot pounds of torque for shafts¾" to 1%" and 8 foot pounds of torque for
shafts 1½" to 3¾". If you need to insert the long arm of the allen wrench into the hole, a vice-grip, for example, may be fitted on the
short arm to help provide the required torque.
14. Remove from the plastic bag 2 (two) additional set screws, apply a drop of thread-lock (blue tube) to the thread of each set screw,
and thread one into each hole. This will act as a locking device for the first set screws. Do not re-use cupped point set screws.
15. Plumbing the system: Note: Sailboats or displacement powerboats with a powering speed below 12 knots can use either method A
or B. However, displacement boats with a bearing in the shaft log must plumb water to the seal.
lSA. Low speed boats: (Under 12 knots of boat speed under power and no bearing in the shaft log).
Using a%" (8 or 9 mm) ID "underwater rated" hose (not provided with the PSS), connect the hose to the hose barb fitting installed on
the carbon and secure the hose with two (2) hose clamps. Run the hose to a point in the boat at least two (2) feet above the waterline,
making sure that the hose does not apply any load on the carbon part of the seal. Keep the hose as close as possible to the centerline of
the vessel so the top of the vent hose is never below the waterline, even if the boat heels. Secure the hose in place with the necessary
fittings that insure it will not pull free and drop. This hose is now a venting hose that will help ensure that no air is trapped in the seal.
WARNINGS: Do not run a loop at the top end of the vent hose as it could start a siphon action in some extreme conditions. Also, make
sure the vent hose is properly secured from falling below the waterline. If the vent hose were to fall down below the waterline, water
would come in the boat. Also, do not plug or block the end of the vent hose, as this would prevent the line from venting.
15B. High-speed boats: (Over 12 knots of boat speed under power).
Note: Boats that can exceed 12 knots on a single engine must run a crossover line between seals to ensure both seals maintain water
flow, while running on only one engine.
For high-speed vessels it is required that a water supply be plumbed to the PSS for the purpose of cooling and lubricating the seal faces
(i.e., at over approximately 12 knots of speed a vacuum is created in the stern tube and water is drawn away from the PSS resulting in a
loss of cooling water that may cause the carbon to overheat). There are multiple sources of water for the supply. The following are a
few non-exhaustive examples. These are examples only and they may or may not apply to your particular boat.
- Maximum water pressure should not exceed 10 PSI.
- T-off the engine raw water-cooling line. (Note:T-kits are available separately from PYI Inc for internal hose¾", 1" , 1¼", 1½")
- Thread a barb fitting into the drain plug of the heat exchanger if applicable.
- Thread barb fitting into the drain plug of the exhaust manifold if the manifold is raw water-cooled.
- Add a small scoop under water for keel-cooled boats or T-off another water pick up. (Note: A valve must be installed to regulate the
water flow as too high water flow may over pressurize the PSS seal). Use an appropriate "underwater rated" hose from the fittings on
the boat and the fitting on the PSS and secure them with two (2) hose clamps at each end.
NOTICE: All plumbing must follow the standards and practices of proper boat plumbing. For example, if the pick-up on the engine is
located under the waterline, an anti-siphon fitting must be installed, in addition to other standards and practices.
16. Testing: When launching the boat, inspect the PSS and make sure the PSS is properly in place. Water should not be entering the boat
from the PSS seal area. Run the engine in gear as in a normal operation. It is normal at this time to notice a very fine spray or mist
coming from the seal and some carbon dust, as the PSS requires a break in period (see below). The PSS should not be leaking at rest and
should never spray more than just a fine spray or mist.

NOTE: All work must be performed by qualified personnel. Use only authorized components, specified or provided by Ride The Ducks.
All applicable OSHA safety standards and safe industry practices must be observed. Observe all safety information contained in the
manufacturer's manuals. Make available this bulletin and all related technical information to personnel using the equipment.

CONTACT US VIA EMAIL
RTDI FLEET OPS HOTLINE: 417 266 7676
RTDI PARTS: 417 266 7626

Bulletin No. SB-00-06-15

RIDE THE DUCKS INTERNATIONAL
Fleet Operations & Safety
2320 West Highway 76
Branson MO 65616

Release Date: 6/15/15
Effective Date:6/15/15
Supersedes: N/A
Applicable to: All PSS systems
Total Pages: 6

TROUBLESHOOTING
A. High-pitched squeal:
If you hear a high-pitched squeal from the PSS shaft seal during operation, the seal may not be getting water. Review and correct

plumbing to the seal.
CAUTION: If the seal has run dry use caution! The faces (stainless steel rotor and carbon) may be very hot.
B. Spray or mist during operation after the break in period:
The dimensions provided in the "Bellow compression chart" are average figures and are provided as a guide. The EXACT compression
amounts required can vary due to different types of engine mounts and water pressure being fed to the seal. If you experience any
spray or mist following the break in period, make sure that the bellows had been compressed properly. If so, add an additional¼" of
compression to the seal and soon the mist should disappear. Keep adjusting until the spray or mist stops.
C. Dripping at rest:
If the PSS seal drips while at rest then it is likely that foreign material is on the face of the seal between the stainless steel rotor and the
carbon flange. To clean this foreign material from the seal, insert a clean rag carefully between the two faces (Note: some water will
come into the boat at this time if the boat is in the water) and work the rag around the seal. As you do this, the incoming water will
flush the impurities. Remove the rag from the seal and the leak should stop.

BREAK-IN PERIOD

On average, the PSS requires approximately one (1) hour of break in time, which allows the carbon flange to polish the mating face of
the stainless steel rotor. During the break in period you will experience a very fine mist, sometimes associated with a black dust coming
from the PSS. Under normal conditions, this will stop after an average of one (1) hour running time.
Copyright© 2013 PY/, Inc. All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a
retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, without the prior written
permission of PY/, Inc.
PY/, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect to this document or the contents herein and specifically
disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. In addition, PY/, Inc. reserves the right to revise
this document and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof

NOTE: All work must be performed by qualified personnel. Use only authorized components, specified or provided by Ride The Ducks.
All applicable OSHA safety standards and safe industry practices must be observed. Observe all safety information contained in the
manufacturer's manuals. Make available this bulletin and all related technical information to personnel using the equipment.

CONTACT US VIA EMAIL
RTDI FLEET OPS HOTLINE: 417 266 7676
RTDI PARTS: 417 266 7626