Through hull Fitting

[James Tait]

My O'Day 20 has two through hull fittings-one for the cockpit drain and the other for a small sink. Neither of these fittings has a shut off valve. For safety reasons is it worth the money to replace with a sea cock type valve?? I always check the condition of the hoses and have never had a problem but the boat will be sitting at a mooring for extended periods. Thanks!

 

[Mullet]

I read somewhere that

a 1 inch hole lets in 80 gallons a minute. Any hole below the waterline (and even the one on the waterline) on my boat has a valve.

 

[bruce cornell]

plugs

you should have tapered wood plugs for all thru hulls, and hammer, since the break does not always take place on the other side of the valve...

 

[Andy]

The Oday 20

is supposed to have enough flotation not to sink. So things are not as critical as with a heavy-keeled boat. The sink drain is above water line anyway, isn't it?

 

[Bill11554]

Take all precautions possible

I read a lot on here that the Oday has positive flotation so it won't sink. My 1974 20'sank at its dock two winters ago. After last year sitting in the shop for repair, it will probably sit out this summer also while I finish repairing and cleaning the boat.