What are the pros and cons of nylon seacocks. I understand newer Catalinas have them. I'm looking at a new 34mkII in particular. Thanks, rp
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No saving grace for CHEAP seacocks
Thru-hulls and seacocks are an evil that most of us think of as necessary for our comfort and convenience. However, our boats would be one hell of a lot safer without them (just ask your friendly insurance broker). Obviously, there is even less justification for CHEAP thru-hulls and seacocks. I have nerver heard anyone argue that nylon thru-hulls and seacocks are SAFER than bronze, only that they are cheaper and lighter and (in theory) may require less maintenance. If you regularly sail in water that is deeper than you are tall, the decision which type of seacock (and thru-hull) to install is really not all that difficult. Gentlemen (and gentlewomen), start your modems...... Flying Dutchman "Rivendel II" (a Hunter Legend 43 with bronze seacocks and thru-hulls)
Thru-hulls and seacocks are an evil that most of us think of as necessary for our comfort and convenience. However, our boats would be one hell of a lot safer without them (just ask your friendly insurance broker). Obviously, there is even less justification for CHEAP thru-hulls and seacocks. I have nerver heard anyone argue that nylon thru-hulls and seacocks are SAFER than bronze, only that they are cheaper and lighter and (in theory) may require less maintenance. If you regularly sail in water that is deeper than you are tall, the decision which type of seacock (and thru-hull) to install is really not all that difficult. Gentlemen (and gentlewomen), start your modems...... Flying Dutchman "Rivendel II" (a Hunter Legend 43 with bronze seacocks and thru-hulls)
I have both
It does not seem to matter what type you have for safety. I do notice that the damn handles tend to break off the nylon ones...
It does not seem to matter what type you have for safety. I do notice that the damn handles tend to break off the nylon ones...
Bronze, or Marlon?
Are we talking seacocks, or ball valves screwed onto a through hull? I believe the biggest issue with the through hull portion is maintenence. The bronze through hulls are subject to corrosion, and the Marlon ones are not. I have not read of a problem with a through hull breaking. As Richard has said, I have broken off the handles on two, of the many my Cat36 came equipped with.
Are we talking seacocks, or ball valves screwed onto a through hull? I believe the biggest issue with the through hull portion is maintenence. The bronze through hulls are subject to corrosion, and the Marlon ones are not. I have not read of a problem with a through hull breaking. As Richard has said, I have broken off the handles on two, of the many my Cat36 came equipped with.
Lighting Strikes
Is it true that Bronze Seacocks are more prone to damage from lighting strikes? I have heard of seacocks being blown out by lighting, causing the boat to sink. Don't know if this is true are not?. You know how sailors are with their stories! Duane Maher
Is it true that Bronze Seacocks are more prone to damage from lighting strikes? I have heard of seacocks being blown out by lighting, causing the boat to sink. Don't know if this is true are not?. You know how sailors are with their stories! Duane Maher
bronze: corrosion, electrolysis and lightning
Corrosion of bronze in seawater should be no serious problem within one's lifetime as long as electrolysis can be avoided. Once you have seen a bronze statue or anchor in a Greek or Roman museum that survived underwater for several millennia, you know you can stop worrying about the corrosion rate of this truly unique material. To avoid electrolysis it should be sufficient to attach a fine gauge grounding wire. If you use a large gauge wire it sounds indeed possible to me that your bronze thru-hull (whether stand-alone or integral with a bronze seacock) might be blown out by lightning on a bad day. BTW breaking the handle of a marelon valve or seacock is no big deal in 99 out of 100 situations. However, if this happens in an emergency situation and leaves the valve in the wrong position (whether open or close) it might be quite serious indeed. Flying Dutchman
Corrosion of bronze in seawater should be no serious problem within one's lifetime as long as electrolysis can be avoided. Once you have seen a bronze statue or anchor in a Greek or Roman museum that survived underwater for several millennia, you know you can stop worrying about the corrosion rate of this truly unique material. To avoid electrolysis it should be sufficient to attach a fine gauge grounding wire. If you use a large gauge wire it sounds indeed possible to me that your bronze thru-hull (whether stand-alone or integral with a bronze seacock) might be blown out by lightning on a bad day. BTW breaking the handle of a marelon valve or seacock is no big deal in 99 out of 100 situations. However, if this happens in an emergency situation and leaves the valve in the wrong position (whether open or close) it might be quite serious indeed. Flying Dutchman
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