Leaking thru hull

Oct 15, 2022
14
ODay 28 Friendfield Marina, Georgetown
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!
 
Jan 7, 2011
5,497
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
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…

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Greg
 
Jun 21, 2004
2,831
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
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.
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.
 
Jun 21, 2004
2,831
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
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…
Greg
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.
 
Jan 7, 2011
5,497
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
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
22,957
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
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.
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.
 
Jul 26, 2009
291
. . .
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.
 
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Likes: 87Jayhawk
May 24, 2004
7,164
CC 30 South Florida
Keep a wood Plug by the Thru-hull in case of emergency. The safe way is to replace it with the boat out of the water. If one is leaking it is likely the others will follow, just plan and budget to replace all thru hulls and schedule a haul out.
 
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Likes: jssailem
Mar 6, 2008
1,316
Catalina 1999 C36 MKII #1787 Coyote Point Marina, CA.
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.
 
Sep 24, 2018
3,338
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
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