Posessed(?) head seacock on a 27_75-84

[David Michaels]

The head has what appears to be a ball valve type seacock, made of nylon, delrin or marelon. On several occasions while evaluating the boat, I or the previous owner opened and closed this seacock with no problems. The surveyor indicated that he could not get the valve to move, the report said it was stuck in the closed position. After the survey I went down and checked it myself and it worked fine, and it also worked fine when I took possession 10 days ago. This last Sunday we went down to start cleaning below, and I discovered that the seacock is now stuck in the closed position. I worked it both gently and quite firmly for about 20 minutes but could not get it to open. I realise that I need to renew this seacock but the haulout is not scheduled for quite a while yet. Anyone have any idea what might be causing this sticking and can I do anything about it short of renewing to get it working until the haulout? I went over the side and checked the thru, it seemed unblocked to the valve. I have not pulled the inboard intake hose off to check for obstructions as I didn't think of it until this very moment, and besides, this valve is stuck in the closed postion, not open. Puzzling and frustrating. I feel like a true boat owner again.Any thoughts/advice welcomed.

 

[Brian]

work around

If this was the raw in to the head, I probably wouldn't worry about it much. You can always use water from your sink and a cup to flush with. I know several owners that do this just to keep the raw in closed, and their holding tanks from being over filled. That could last you until haul out. Of course, that also depends on your fresh water supply and usage.If it's the exit valve, I am guessing a haulout is in order. I wouldn't advise unhooking the hoses while it's in the water, just in case it opens, you're in for a mess.

 

[Gary]

Locking valve

David- I own a Hunter 27 (1980). If the seacock that you are refering to is the one I have in my boat, it is a locking type valve. I can't remember exactly the configuration but as I remember there is a lever as well as a handle. One is a lock down and the other opens or closes the valve.

 

[David Michaels]

Locking valve? I'll take a look.

Gary.Thanks for your reply. I don't remember feeling anything but the seacock handle. Do you recall how this would lock? I will spend more time on the sole with a light trying to get a better look at the seacock, I'm "seeing" with my fingers unless I remove the head itself.Any recollection you might have on how to "unlock" this seacock is welcome. In the meantime I've taken Brian's advice and use the "cup of water" method. I just worry about potential damage to the pump mechanism pulling a vacuum against sealed lines.Thanks for the responses.