We are new owners of a 1996 C400. It has the Westerbeke 42 engine. The owners' manual seems to indicate that the engine seacock be closed everytime you turn the engine off and reopened before you start the engine. Is this accurate? Or do you just close it when you're not planning on starting the engine again for a few days, but leave it open if you plan on using it at least somewhat on a daily basis (e.g., to charge the batteries.) We ask this because it's not the simplest thing to access and if it were closed and we had to start the engine quickly, this would be a real issue. Thanks for your input!
engine seacock
- Thread starter irishbuckeye
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my understanding...
I just asked a boat mechanic the same question this weekend. He was looking at an ignition problem on my boat and told me that I was the first owner he'd ever met who actually followed the instructions and closed the seacock. According to him, most boat engines have seacocks that are very difficult to access. Basically he said the recommendation comes from the remote possibility that cooling seawater leak back into the cockpit and cause the boat to sink if hoses are loose or cracked and leak water in, AND the bilge pump fails. This is apparently not a problem most owners ever need to worry about, but it's the safer measure to take.
I just asked a boat mechanic the same question this weekend. He was looking at an ignition problem on my boat and told me that I was the first owner he'd ever met who actually followed the instructions and closed the seacock. According to him, most boat engines have seacocks that are very difficult to access. Basically he said the recommendation comes from the remote possibility that cooling seawater leak back into the cockpit and cause the boat to sink if hoses are loose or cracked and leak water in, AND the bilge pump fails. This is apparently not a problem most owners ever need to worry about, but it's the safer measure to take.
just close it when you're not planning on starting the engine again
Think of it this way: if you're on the boat you'll know if you have a problem (leak). But if it's closed and you need to start the engine in a hurry???? You answered your own question.
Think of it this way: if you're on the boat you'll know if you have a problem (leak). But if it's closed and you need to start the engine in a hurry???? You answered your own question.
Seacock
My thumb rule - if your are one for several days - close it - BUT put the start keys on/near the seacock. God forbid you start the engine with it closed.
My thumb rule - if your are one for several days - close it - BUT put the start keys on/near the seacock. God forbid you start the engine with it closed.
Great input!
Thanks so much for all your great input. I think we'll take the middle of the road approach. Leave it open when sailing and may need it--in a hurry or elsewise. Close it if we're anchored somewhere for several days, but leave the keys near the seacock as Coast Awile suggests!
Thanks so much for all your great input. I think we'll take the middle of the road approach. Leave it open when sailing and may need it--in a hurry or elsewise. Close it if we're anchored somewhere for several days, but leave the keys near the seacock as Coast Awile suggests!
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