DrySeal vs EliteSeal vs Gen2, How to Choose the Right Lasdrop Shaft Seal

Choosing a shaft seal is not about picking the fanciest option, it is about matching the seal design to your boat’s setup, speed, access, and maintenance preferences.

Broadly, dripless shaft seals fall into two groups:

• Lip seals, which seal against the shaft using a flexible lip

• Face seals, which seal using two flat faces pressed together

Lasdrop’s lineup fits neatly into that:

• DrySeal = lip seal

• EliteSeal = lip seal with built-in spare seal concept and split face plate

• Gen2 = mechanical face seal

The quick decision guide

Choose based on what matters most:

Pick DrySeal if:

• You want a proven lip seal design

• You want straightforward installation and servicing

• You are happy to replace a lip seal as a service item over time

Pick EliteSeal if:

• You want a lip seal, but you also want the convenience of spares and quicker service

• You value the ability to fit a new seal without removing the unit from the shaft (split face plate design)

Pick Gen2 if:

• You prefer mechanical face seal technology

• You want minimal maintenance over extended periods

• Your setup suits a face seal design (space, alignment, water feed, and installation access)

Lip seal vs face seal, the practical differences

Lip seal (DrySeal and EliteSeal):

• Seals against the rotating shaft with a lip.

• Often needs a water feed for cooling and lubrication, especially on faster boats.

• Condition of the shaft surface matters, because the lip runs on the shaft.

Mechanical face seal (Gen2):

• Seals using face seal technology.

• Lasdrop describes Gen2 as a mechanical face seal with benefits including minimal maintenance and no wear on running gear.

EliteSeal’s standout feature, built-in spares concept

EliteSeal sizing documentation describes:

• A spare seal case and a premium nitrile seal.

• Capacity for up to two spare seals in the seal case.

• A split face plate that allows installing a new seal without removing it from the shaft.

That is exactly the sort of feature that makes sense if you cruise, travel, or simply want fewer headaches.

Your boat speed matters

Planing hulls above 10 knots typically must inject water into the seal, and the water source should be clean and taken after the raw water pick-up.

Click here to read our article on effectively measuring up for a shaft seal.