Replacing maralon valves

[Walt]

Have a couple of marelon ball-valves to replace on my 94 Catalina 36. Looking for advice on removing and installing new ones. It appears that if I hold the nut securely which is locking the thru-hull part component, then the ball valve assembly should just spin off. I should then be able to spin a new one right on. Have never done this before. Fortunately,the boat is out of the water.Also, is it ok to replace the marelon unit with a bronze ball valve onto the marelon/plastic thru-hull.Thanks, Walt

 

[R. Palaia]

I don't think you should mix

I never replaced a thru hull before. But, I don't think it is a good idea to thread a bronze ball valve onto a marelon thru hull. You might be putting too much stress on the marelon and it would end up cracking. Not good, it could sink the boat.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

Replace the whole shebang

Marelon has a tendency to break down & fail at the most inconvenient moments. Since the boat's on the hard, replace the thru hull & be comfortable in the knowledge it was done "right".LaDonna

 

[Tom Soko]

Marelon Thru-Hulls

Walt,I would have an "associate" hold the thru-hull from the outside while you unscrew the ball-valve on the inside. Simply holding the locking nut on the inside might not be enough. Cut a piece of scrap wood to just fit snugly inside the thru-hull. This can be held with a big pair of pliers or a pipe wrench. The ball valve should come off easily, and a new one can be screwed on. Don't forget to use teflon tape.