closing the raw water intake valve?...

[centerline]

so... we now own a Cal 34-III.

the PO said to always shut off the raw water intake valve when ever we arent going to be needing to use the engine for awhile.... why?

if its due to a possible flooding of the boat if something breaks, then what about the other open thru hulls that he didnt seem to think was a problem.. (kitchen sink and head sink valves, actually 2 valves side by side under the head sink)


I can see some sense in closing all of them, but not just one valve, in the name of safety..

 

[Dan Hill]

Many many many threads on this subject, but I'll jump in cause I'm bored lol.

I'm thinking the PO just forgot to mention the others. My use of through hull valves are as follows.

Raw water intake open for motoring AND sailing (just in case). Closed at night or when away from boat.

ALL others are only opened when I need to use that particular accessory then it gets closed. Good practice and the valves get a workout.

Boat closing ritual includes checking/closing all seacocks before I leave.

Dan

 

[Maine Sail]

The seacocks on our boat are closed when we leave the boat and even when aboard any not in use remain closed. They are all also double clamped with non-perforated clamps and do not use any sort of PVC hose.

The engine has many more spots to spring a leak than does a galley sink seacock but still, we close all... Hate to ever have to explain to my insurance company why I was simply too lazy to.............

 

[Bob Mc]

I also close everything unless I am using it. I also hang my engine key on the RW intake just so I don't have one of "those" days.

 

[Forrest15112]

I have an A4 and Moyer Marine recommends keeping it closed when the engine isn't running. If hard to start, the water lift muffler can backflow water into the cylinders. They suggest closing just before killing the engine, and opening just after it starts. Maybe yours is similar.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Probably .........................

the PO said to always shut off the raw water intake valve when ever we arent going to be needing to use the engine for awhile.... why?

.......................... because the raw water hoses are subject to vibration while the engine's running and if it develops a loose hose .

We always close the raw water thru hull to the engine each time it's shut down and the rest of the thru hulls when we leave the boat after being away.