Catalina 27 thru hull replacement

[kurtengel]

I have recently purchased a C-27 and decided to replace the thru hull fittings for the head sink drain etc. I believe the installed fittings are original. They are plastic with a with a hex nut head on the inside. Some of the fiberglass from manufacturing is left on top of the nut. There does not appear to be any exterior portion of the thru hull. What will happen when I put a wrench on the plastic hut head?

 

[Vic H.]

I have recently purchased a C-27 and decided to replace the thru hull fittings for the head sink drain etc. I believe the installed fittings are original. They are plastic with a with a hex nut head on the inside. Some of the fiberglass from manufacturing is left on top of the nut. There does not appear to be any exterior portion of the thru hull. What will happen when I put a wrench on the plastic hut head?

If nut rounds off it should cut easily w/dremel or hacksaw blade, if it turns your in luck. If the whole thru hull spins, you can jam something in from outside of hull. I would grind away factory glass before attempting, using a dremel and carefully cutting glass at base of plastic nut. Just my opinion.

Happy salin'
Vic H.

 

[Vic H.]

Your lucky that it's plastic, likely thermoset, it will melt. An old bread knife heated w/propane torch should melt right thru. Again, just my opinion, don't burn up your boat!

 

[kurtengel]

Thanks, for the comment. I was surprised that the external portion of the thru hull is flush with the hull, no mushroom head like on the the replacement brass fitting I intend to use.

 

[Vic H.]

Thanks, for the comment. I was surprised that the external portion of the thru hull is flush with the hull, no mushroom head like on the the replacement brass fitting I intend to use.

You may find that the hole for the original is tapered from outside of the hull toward the inside (beveled for fit). That's why it can be flush to hull. Be aware of this, as, if the replacement is straight to mushroom head, you will have to fill and recut or cut for larger thru hull and use an adapter of the proper size inside. Why change original? Problem/leak?

Vic H.