Yachting and Boating World forums: PSS Seal Problems?

I've been looking at a boat with a PSS seal on a 1 inch shaft with a 30hp engine (sailboat aux). I know there has been some good feedback about these seals on the forum so I would be interested in veiws/experiences of forumites about 2 issues the owner mentioned before fitting one myself.

1. The owner normally frees his seal by hand if the boat has been unused for a few weeks because apparently the stainless steel rotor and carbon facing can seize together as the seawater between the two dries out and the salt crystals stick the 2 surfaces together. Since getting at the seal on my boat and freeing by hand is a fag I thought of simply turning the shaft by putting in gear to break the "seal" but am told is not a good idea since this puts a lot off rotational force on the rubber hose holding the seal to the stern tube. Anyone else any experience of this and any solutions.

2. Although the seal is apparently dry and robust I noticed staining on the s/s rotor and white salt deposits on the rotor. Since sea water lubricates the interface between the stainless steel rotor and carbon facing I suspect small amounts must find there way onto the seal and cause this-anyone able to confirm this is normal.

Generally the owner was postive about the seal and recommended it.

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