Broken seacock !!!! What to do

[Tony Z]

The handle of the raw water seacock on our 1980 Hunter 33 has
come off.

I know it can be removed and the angle changed but I believe
it is in fact busted.

However, you guys constantly amaze me with your knowledge of these
parts so, can I fix this without pulling the boat?

If no fix is easy, What harm could come from using
the now unused raw water in seacock for the head?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Seacock, for real?

Tony, the Cherubini's did not come with seacocks originally. Instead they had gate valves screwed on to smallish(1/2") thru-hulls. So are we talking about a valve with a round handle like a faucet? Or is it a true seacock with a handle that moves 90 degrees like a ball valve?

Either way you can unscrew it if you are extremely careful about not letting the thru-hull turn. Some thru-hulls like the engine clam type have bolts or screws to keep it from turning. If you cannot keep it from turning you run the risk of loosening it and causing a leak.

Meanwhile a hose to the head inlet should work for you. I think all the thru-hulls were 1/2" so the flow will be the same.

Just an aside but seacocks are not made for 1/2" thru-hulls. On my H37C I had to replace the thru-hulls with 3/4" ones so that I could install real seacocks.

 

[Paul F.]

May help?

Had a similar problem with the head valve on my '80 33. I was able to take it off (in the water) and replace it with a new one. This was many years ago and the valve continues to work well. In that case it was the elbow that broke off due to electrolysis and had to be repaired immediately. With the raw water valve if it is open, you may be able to use system until you pull the boat. Another valve could be added after the existing valve. If you want to replace the valve, as with the head valve you likely can unscrew the valve from the elbow - plug the line - and replace the valve with a new one. To reduce the water coming in the boat you could dive the boat and block the thru-hull. I did not do this with the head valve. But you will get water in and must be quick in making the change out. When working on the raw water valve I would suggest you remove the cabin panel next to the engine and transmission for better access - see link below

 

[Tony Z]

Thanks to all of you for your help

Thanks to all of you for your help