Keel Cable Hose

[kenai]

I have been a sailor for many years, but I am only into my second year with my 1985 Catalina 22. I was out last weekend and noticed a small bit of water in the bilge. After some searching I noticed the water coming from the base of the keel cable hose. I thought it was just for protecting the cable, but was surprised to discover water. After some research on the net it turns out that the hose "is the only thing between your boat and the bottom". So, this is just info to everyone to make sure your hose is not rotten.

Now, here is my question: What do you all recommend to help seal the hose to the boat? Someone mentioned vaseline, but I don't want to breakdown the hose. Any suggestions? Also, once I have had the hose off how easy is it to inspect and replace the roller ball? I am getting a new cable as well, but will wait until fall when I repaint the bottom. And, just out of curiosity has anyone replaced the tube while the boat is in the water? How fast does the "volcano" flow?

 

[watercolors II]

You need to put the boat on a trailer or out of the water. When you loosen the keel cable the cable turning ball will lift straight up out of the top of the hull below the volcano tube. Replace the tube with a new one and use two new clamps.

I would think that anyone who tried to replace the tube while still in the water is no longer using this blog!

 

[kenai]

That's what I figured. I pulled it out last weekend and it is on the trailer now. So, are you recommending not sealing it with anything just clamp it on?

 

[allen-deckard]

that's how mine is.

 

[LooseDiamond]

As stated, nothing to seal and double clamp with s.s. clamps for this purpose.

 

[GDTRFB]

I am pretty sure I have read that if you beach your boat, you can replace your volcano hose. I would search specifically for that though... When I replaced mine last year, (on the trailer) I went to my local commercial fishing supply house (Fisheries Supply) and purchased the hose. If you need yours replaced it is nothing special; wire reinforced wet exhaust - 1 5/8" I think.

 

[Drevi17546]

Remember the reason they say it is the only thing between the boat and the bottom. The bottom of the hose is under the waterline while sitting in the water. This and the factory gate valve without a real thru hull fitting are the two things that keep me up at night. Not a place to skimp. I'll be replacing the gate valve with two actual thru hull fittings before launch this spring. As long as moving doesn't get in the way.

 

[allen-deckard]

A question but since I just replace my turning ball and hose today got me to thinking. Any clue why in the world the manufacturer didn't just run the brass tube up about 6 inches further and due away with the hose? Couldn't figure that one out.

and I'm glad I don't have the gate valve believe that's the early model with the scruper valves in the bottom of the cockpit isn't it? The later models like mine just run it straight out the back of the transom.