New member. Thanks for the addition. 1983 ODay 28 with a slow leaking thru hull fitting that feeds the toilet. Any in water options? By the looks of the rusted off valve handle I don't think trying to tighten the nut would be a good idea. Absolutely no sailboat experience. Thanks!
Leaking thru hull
- Thread starter 87Jayhawk
- Start date
Cautions for sure.
If that Thru Hull breaks off you will sink your boat!!
Unfortunately you need to fix that hull and valve out of the water.
There could be hull core damage too.
Jim...
If that Thru Hull breaks off you will sink your boat!!
Unfortunately you need to fix that hull and valve out of the water.
There could be hull core damage too.
Jim...
Welcome to the Sailboatowners site.
We have many experts that can help.
Also pictures posted here, help others, help you.
Jim...
We have many experts that can help.
Also pictures posted here, help others, help you.
Jim...
I would be careful…if the thru hull skin fitting is compromised, you could snap it off trying to tighten the nut.
Best option is to haul the boat, remove the thruhull, replace if necessary (it looks like you are in salt water, so certainly seems likely), and rebed. Check any other thru hulls and tackle at the same time!
While you are at it, check the hoses attached to those valves. I had a drain hose under my galley sink that was totally rotted out…you should really inspect all of the hoses by squeezing and pulling on them…I ended up replacing the skin fitting and rebed the piece…I have a lot more peace of mind now. And remember to keep the thru hulls closed when not on the boat…
Greg
Best option is to haul the boat, remove the thruhull, replace if necessary (it looks like you are in salt water, so certainly seems likely), and rebed. Check any other thru hulls and tackle at the same time!
While you are at it, check the hoses attached to those valves. I had a drain hose under my galley sink that was totally rotted out…you should really inspect all of the hoses by squeezing and pulling on them…I ended up replacing the skin fitting and rebed the piece…I have a lot more peace of mind now. And remember to keep the thru hulls closed when not on the boat…
Greg
Had a situation on a boat that was approximately 15 years old, when the valve stem broke on the galley thru hull ball valve fitting. We hammered a wooden plug from the hull side of the thru hull fitting to stop the water flow. Was able to get another valve from a local source and replace the valve while in water and knock out the wood plug with a long blade screw driver & hammer before reconnecting the galley drain hose.
As Jim recommended, I would not advise an in water repair. Your boat is 39 years old and if the fittings have never been replaced, the thru hull fitting may also be ready to fail. Much safer to replace and inspect out of water. If you are not ready for a full blown haul out for major work, perhaps a quick haul in travel lift slings would permit replacement of the fitting. Needless to say, an inspection of all thru hull fittings, valves, tailpieces, and hoses is advised.
Congratulations on the purchase of your boat! There is much information to be had here in SBO forums that will help along the way.
Gregg,
What was age of your cracked hoses? Had an older boat on my dock that sunk a few years ago because of an open galley drain valve and hose failure.
Old…I assume original to a 1988 boat. oddly, the front of the hoses didn’t look too bad, but I brushed Against one and it oozed water…upon inspection, they were totally rotted. Luckily I was in the habit of closing that thruhull when I wasn’t on the boat…
Greg
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,977
I highlighted the operative words in your query.
An underwater leak is a problem that needs immediate attention on a boat.
Primary function of a boat "Keep the water Out of the Boat".
Rusted valve indicates a failure.Lack of experience is not an issue, ignoring the issue will become costly. Due to lack of sailboat experience, and by that I mean boat experience in general, I would suggest you make an immediate arrangement to pull your boat out of the water and address the thru hull by replacing the thru hull and the valve.
If you feel you can do it great. If you are concerned that you need expert help, then ask for it and act upon this issue today.
Lots of good advice above. Haul, fix and be thankful you caught it when you did. I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing there was a leaking thru hull on our boat.
I expect it will be a straight forward repair once she's on the hard. Plenty of help here if you need it once you get into it.
Congrats on the boat, it's worth all the work - promise.
I expect it will be a straight forward repair once she's on the hard. Plenty of help here if you need it once you get into it.
Congrats on the boat, it's worth all the work - promise.
87Jayhawk, you have not mentioned where it is leaking into. If it is leaking into the toilet, as in not stopping the water completely, then you can cut the hose in a convenient place and install an inline valve.
Otherwise haul out, then fix.
Otherwise haul out, then fix.
Glad to hear you're hauling out. I had the same issue. I was able to nearly eliminate my slow leak with plumbers epoxy until I was able to haul out. It was one of the few things that held up against water pressure. When I finally removed the thru hull and filled it in, I was surprised that it was tougher to grind the epoxy than the fiberglass. I now keep a tube on board in case of emergencies