Re: [AlbinVega]Starboard seacocks

[walt judy brown allore]

Chris, Look under the sink. the plywood will lift out. Sinkdrain and
saltwater intake. Look behind steps for engine intake. If these are gate
valves they nee to be replaced. Walt

 

[wxt8981]

Chris; I agree with Walt's comments. Though I closed (fiberglassed) the
saltwater intake
(I use a bail for getting sea-water and don't have to worry about a
broken valve), and I also
fiberglassed the through-hull for the head (I use a porta-potty and I
don't have to explain to
the marine patrol why the three-way valve is in the overboard position).
I recommend you check all hoses- and clamps! Replace the clamps from
the engine exhaust;
there are small hoses from the hatch-covers (emptying onto the cockpit
floor); left and right next
to the tiller are the drain hoses for the cockpit- check and if
necessary replace.
I recommend you install a bilge-pump with a float switch (you should
have a manual bilge
pump as well- the pump-head should be right in front of the tiller)
I guess you keep your Vega in a marina: there could be a deadly enemy
lurking right next
to your boat- it's another boat charging the batteries! Many boat owners
charge their batteries
with car battery chargers. Don't take for granted when they say: Oh- I
use a marine charger.
It's most likely not! Most low-cost so called "marine chargers" are
just a poor excuse of a
mislabeled car-charger and emit AC and DC current (and after all your
zinks are gone, your
pride and joy will suffer from electrolysis as well!!!)
And one more point: clean your fuel tank frequently (like every year).
You'll be surprised to
find all the gub coming out! (I tape my fuel intake with duck-tape, yet
water and dust still
finds it's way into the tank- but so far- my engine keeps on
running- knock on wood!)
Wilhelm V257 VIKING

 

[chris20636]

Walt & Wilhem,
Found them, thanks for the help and suggestions. That triangle
shaped access panel under the sink was tricky. There is a gate valve
under the sink. That goes on the list for replacement.

After removing the sliding panel in front of the engine, instead of
just the step top, the other thru-hull was found. That must be the
sea water intake. I'm not sure what kind of valve that is. I am
planning to scrap the Albin O-21, so will close off that thru-hull.

I haven't decided yet, if I will stick with a porta-potty or install
a fixed system. Whatever head was there is gone now. Probably will
use a porta-potty for some time, as a fixed head system will be low
on the priority list.
Chris

 

[chris20636]

Chris:
If, to close or open the valve, it takes several turns of the handle, it is
highly probable that it is a (shudder) GATE VALVE ! If, on the other hand,
only a 90-degree turn of the handle is required, it is most surely a (big
smile) BALL VALVE !
With Gate Valves, the handle turns a screw which operates a "gate" into -
or out of - the flow path. The problem is that the screw can (and all too
often often does) separate from the gate or the handle, due to rust, and,
even though you operate the handle as you always have, the gate doesn't open
- or shut! This only happens during a critical time, such as when you are in
a blow or need the extra 'punch' to get out of the way of a wall of steel
coming at you.
Get rid of all Gate Valves, NOW, or sooner. Also, double hose-clamp every
hose where, if one gives out, water will enter your boat.

Good Luck and Smooth Sailing.............Ed