Gate Valve/Seacock on H22

[Pete]

I'm in the process of refurbishing my first sailboat a Hunter 22. I've been working on it for a month and never gave the thru-hull gate valve that connects to the sink drain much thought until today. What the heck is that valve used for? Can't the sink drain without that valve? Now that this thing has got me wondering about it's function, I've seen where this valve is also called a seacock. Is there a difference between a gate valve and seacock? Thanks for any info.

 

[Bud22569]

Another H22

I have an H22 also. The seacock on the sink drain is there as an isolation point. Any failure of the line on the sink side of the seacock can be isolated and repaired by closing the seacock.There was a good article about seacocks in the "Good Old Boat" magazine. I'm not sure that the oem seacock on the H22 is very good quality. I keep a tapered wooden plug close by in case the seacock fails.

 

[Pete]

Thanks Bud

Bud, Thanks for the info. I plan to replace the valve as the one I have has seen it's better days. I'm looking at a plastic (Marelon) valve which seems like a better replacement.