Plugging Thru Hulls on the Hard

[testingthewaters91]

On the hard. Ball valves failing to close. I’m not using my marine head or head sink right now, and my friend suggests I could just plug those thru-hulls and go back in the water until a proper marina gets on it. This boatyard wants me out and doesn’t want to do the replacements properly (don't ask), so I’m thinking of splashing the boat, living aboard, and moving her later to a yard that’ll do the job right. I don't use any of the systems in question.

Is temporarily plugging the thru-hulls a safe plan for a few months? And if so, what’s the best way to plug them securely so I’m watertight and safe until I redo everything properly?

Was thinking wooden bung + 5200 or epoxy.

Thanks for any advice

 

[Jim Legere]

You don't say what kind/make of thru-hulls but if they have a threaded hose barb adapter to connect the hoses to the head and sink, why not just remove the hoses and adapters and thread an appropriate-sized plug into each valve? Of course the caveat is to not disturb the thru-hull while removing hoses and adapters. Heat the hoses with a heat gun or torch to make them easy to remove and use a back-up wrench on the ball valves when unscrewing the adapters and tightening in the plugs. I have found that 10", 14" & 18" pipe wrenches are useful sizes on most boats. Good luck!

 

[kappykaplan]

You don't say what kind/make of thru-hulls but if they have a threaded hose barb adapter to connect the hoses to the head and sink, why not just remove the hoses and adapters and thread an appropriate-sized plug into each valve? Of course the caveat is to not disturb the thru-hull while removing hoses and adapters. Heat the hoses with a heat gun or torch to make them easy to remove and use a back-up wrench on the ball valves when unscrewing the adapters and tightening in the plugs. I have found that 10", 14" & 18" pipe wrenches are useful sizes on most boats. Good luck!

Full details in this thread:

Seacock Quality... Replace?—Currently on the hard.

So one of these is stuck and the other turns over 90 degrees. Should I replace these seacocks? I asked to just replace all the seacocks... Reason I ask is because the boatyard contractor told me that might be a bit much and these bronze fittings usually last forever. He said we could just do...

forums.sailboatowners.com

Not sure why OP decided to repost his question from entry #110 here.

 

[testingthewaters91]

You don't say what kind/make of thru-hulls but if they have a threaded hose barb adapter to connect the hoses to the head and sink, why not just remove the hoses and adapters and thread an appropriate-sized plug into each valve? Of course the caveat is to not disturb the thru-hull while removing hoses and adapters. Heat the hoses with a heat gun or torch to make them easy to remove and use a back-up wrench on the ball valves when unscrewing the adapters and tightening in the plugs. I have found that 10", 14" & 18" pipe wrenches are useful sizes on most boats. Good luck!

I was going to buy when I tried to remove the valves they were incredibly hard to remove. They are corroded and quite stuck. I was afraid I'd mess up the sealant for the thru hull.

Was hoping I could put 5200 + a wooden bung + a layer of epoxy inside the outside barbed thru hull and be able to last until I can get a haul out at a proper yard.

 

[testingthewaters91]

Full details in this thread:

Seacock Quality... Replace?—Currently on the hard.

So one of these is stuck and the other turns over 90 degrees. Should I replace these seacocks? I asked to just replace all the seacocks... Reason I ask is because the boatyard contractor told me that might be a bit much and these bronze fittings usually last forever. He said we could just do...

forums.sailboatowners.com

Not sure why OP decided to repost his question from entry #110 here.

It was recommended to me to try the all sailor's forum for this question as there may be some folks who have tried it before.

 

[kappykaplan]

It was recommended to me to try the all sailor's forum for this question as there may be some folks who have tried it before.

The other post you started is in Ask All Sailors.

 

[testingthewaters91]

The other post you started is in Ask All Sailors.

Oh my, I see. I'm new to this format of posting. Please do forgive me.