Pss shaft system is nice,BUT there are problems that can happen.Water is injected from your raw water pump which is mounted direct to the engine.If ever that hose pops,you will fill the bilge fast.I know of one boat that went down last year in NC that sank becouse of this problem.The captain and deck was running that boat down to Fla for the boat show and both men lost there lives.Now a good gland packing that is adjusted right should only leak a drop now and then.So for the expence,I would just repack the gland twice a year and pocket that extra money.Another problem I hear is if you go down to one engine,you need to stop the other from rotating(prop) becouse of no cooling to the gland.Some boats do have duel hook ups were one or the other engine will feed the glands on twin screws.For a refit if money was tight or one of those things I could live without.Hell yes,I would go out and buy a few new rod and reels first and still have a little money left to put in the fuel tank.
On to a line or rode cutter.Yes it is a good product.I have used a set in the pass.They did work on smaller rode,but I did pick up some 1/2" rope once that it didn't do any good.If you are running twin screws,double the expence for them.That will be around 4 bills.For that kind of money,buy a good mask and fins to keep on board.You never know when you ever come across a whaleshark.Great time to break out that mask for a swim.Also,the mask will let you go for a swim to check your running gear and bottom once a month to see if you need a cleanning job done by a diver.With the price of fuel,I would be having that done more often.So,if you have an extra $400 laying around just to throw over the side,then do so.Installing,they just clamp around your shaft.You might need to dry dock your boat for the installation(more money).
These products,do you really need them?No!Are they nice to have?I would say the line cutters,yes,but not the PSS glands.For the money?To me no on both!
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