Closing the through hull fittings

[Jim Floyd]

Does anyone have any opinion on closing the through hull cocks when going out? Sometimes we get water in the sink ... just wondering...

 

[Dennis Thomas]

Keep em closed

Depending on the location of the through hull, pressure of moving water can force some into the boat when underway. If any doubt I would advise to keep em closed till you need em. I always close every seacock when leaving the boat and leave them closed till I need them. Just remember to open the engine cooling water seacock before you start the iron jib.DennisS/v AnodyneCatalina 36

 

[Trevor]

Closed

The sink in the galley on a C36 will fill with water on a starboard tack when heeled over if the through hull is not closed. I close the other through hulls when not on the boat as well - you don't want the boat to sink if a valve in the toilet fails when away from the boat. Regarding the engine intake, I leave the ignition key on the through-hull valve handle when away from the boat so I am forced to remember!Another good reason to close the valves is it works the handles periordically so they don't seize in place.Trevor

 

[RonD]

Unanimous - closed!

Two important points made:1. Keeping them closed except when in direct use is a mindset & habit pattern to establish. It minimizes the possibility of a hose failure, etc. leaving a direct opening to the sea. Stuff happens!2. As someone else pointed out, this also forces you to regularly exercise the valves, which keeps them from freezing up. Also, remember to lubricate them at least anually -- during winter season hauling is a great time.--Ron

 

[Greg]

Where is the cooling sea valve?

Can someone tell me where the level for the engine cooling sea valve is? I have a C30. Are there any other ones aside from the sink and the head?

 

[Bob Camarena]

Here's a trick

Hang your engine starting key on your engine cooling water intake thru hull valve handle. This helps you to not forget to open the valve before starting or to close the valve before leaving the boat.

 

[RonD]

C30 sea valves

Suggest you go to the Catalina30 Association website. I believe they have an on-line parts manual with an illustrated breakdown that shows where they are placed. And, there are lots of experienced C30 owners to advise you.Generally, current boat design practice is to have separate valves/seacocks for separate functions. Thus, expect to find separate valves for engine seawater, head, galley drain, shower/sink drain, holding tank macerator output, etc. The usual convention is that the valve lever in a position perpendicular to water flow is "off".--RonD