Stupid question>> Just purchased a 96 catalina 30. Im the manuel it says to shut the through hull valve when not running . Im not sure where this valve is . I have the past owners instructions and most likly I am doing it anyway just not sure. The owners manuel talks about it but no diagram. Thanks Steve
Through hull valve?
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Thru Hull Valves
They are talking about the sink drain valve, cooling water intake valve, and head intake/drain valve. One is under the sink, one under the settee on the port sid of the engine, and the other is under the V berth on the port side. There is a small door to accesss this valve.
They are talking about the sink drain valve, cooling water intake valve, and head intake/drain valve. One is under the sink, one under the settee on the port sid of the engine, and the other is under the V berth on the port side. There is a small door to accesss this valve.
MKIII
Hi Steve and Welcome! You have a great boat! (We have a 96 C30 Hull #6371) We have had "Westwind" for 8 years and find it perfect for the wife and I. You will find a lot of help on this site. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. fair winds Dave
Hi Steve and Welcome! You have a great boat! (We have a 96 C30 Hull #6371) We have had "Westwind" for 8 years and find it perfect for the wife and I. You will find a lot of help on this site. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. fair winds Dave
Whats the Big Deal?
I cannot help but chime in here, because I believe after owning 8 sailboats over the years, the closing of through hull valves is unnecessary unless the vessel sits for months unattended. When you look at the number of thru hull valves in a 30 footer (engine cooling intake, macerator discharge, head sink drain, head flush intake, galley sink drain, ice box drain, AC intake/drain, etc) you have to question the need for closing anyone of them unless maintenance is being performed or your away from the vessel for prolonged times. I am playing devil's advocate here, because I used to shut valves on occasion and then when onboard FORGOT TO OPEN them!! As a standard procedure you will need to check thru-hull valves for integrity of the double clamped stainless clamps and open and close the valves to keep them operating well. But, one day your going to get onboard and forget to open a valve. If its the engine cooling intake you'll overheat the engine. If its the sink drain, you will over fill the sink, etc, etc, etc,. Unless you have flags everywhere such as in the case for "lock-out-tag-out", I would not bother. These valves are hidden and are often tough to get to. Compared to the old brass gate valves where metals would leech out due to electrolysis and the handles would come off in your hand, Catalina units are made of modern materials that do not require any repair or maintenance besides what was aforementioned. Get to know where the valves are (all of them), tighten the stainless double clamps and open and close them several times a year. My 2-cents Bob '88 Catalina 30
I cannot help but chime in here, because I believe after owning 8 sailboats over the years, the closing of through hull valves is unnecessary unless the vessel sits for months unattended. When you look at the number of thru hull valves in a 30 footer (engine cooling intake, macerator discharge, head sink drain, head flush intake, galley sink drain, ice box drain, AC intake/drain, etc) you have to question the need for closing anyone of them unless maintenance is being performed or your away from the vessel for prolonged times. I am playing devil's advocate here, because I used to shut valves on occasion and then when onboard FORGOT TO OPEN them!! As a standard procedure you will need to check thru-hull valves for integrity of the double clamped stainless clamps and open and close the valves to keep them operating well. But, one day your going to get onboard and forget to open a valve. If its the engine cooling intake you'll overheat the engine. If its the sink drain, you will over fill the sink, etc, etc, etc,. Unless you have flags everywhere such as in the case for "lock-out-tag-out", I would not bother. These valves are hidden and are often tough to get to. Compared to the old brass gate valves where metals would leech out due to electrolysis and the handles would come off in your hand, Catalina units are made of modern materials that do not require any repair or maintenance besides what was aforementioned. Get to know where the valves are (all of them), tighten the stainless double clamps and open and close them several times a year. My 2-cents Bob '88 Catalina 30
This is the big deal.
The main reason I close all thru hulls every time I leave the boat is the down side risk of not closing them. I have 3 thru hulls like most of the other respondents and it's "no big deal" to close them. There are a number of places that the system can fail; hose leak, clamp fail, etc. that may cause the boat to sink at the dock. You would be supprised how much water can come in from a broken hose. I keep a hook on the side of the engine compartment where I place the ignition key to remind me to open the intake for the engine prior to starting, and it's also prudent to always look for water exiting the exhaust after starting the engine anyway (In case of water pump problems or blockages). Not opening the others is not a serious issue. Just one sailors opinoin. Bill
The main reason I close all thru hulls every time I leave the boat is the down side risk of not closing them. I have 3 thru hulls like most of the other respondents and it's "no big deal" to close them. There are a number of places that the system can fail; hose leak, clamp fail, etc. that may cause the boat to sink at the dock. You would be supprised how much water can come in from a broken hose. I keep a hook on the side of the engine compartment where I place the ignition key to remind me to open the intake for the engine prior to starting, and it's also prudent to always look for water exiting the exhaust after starting the engine anyway (In case of water pump problems or blockages). Not opening the others is not a serious issue. Just one sailors opinoin. Bill
Thru Hull
If one were truely a prudent mariner regarding thru-hulls, then you would have a proper sized wooden plug with a lanyard at the ready at each thru-hull location. This way if you were onboard and their is a failure of a thru-hull valve you can at least plug the thru hull itself. However, wooden plugs provide better protection when hammered in from the underwater side for a temporary fix. I am not opposed to what the Catalina factory has to say about closing thru-hulls, nor do I take issue with anyone who closes thru hulls prior to leaving their vessels. I for one find the new thru hulls rather fragile from the heftier stainless valves I had on prior vessels. With these valves Catalina uses I change or tighten my stainless clamps as a rule every season and inspect hoses several times a year. I make sure nothing is stored anywhere near the thru hulls that can knock the valve or handle and cause any damage. I think continuous opening and closing would wear these things down! If your hanging up visual reminders of closed valves to reminder you to open them then more power to you. Bob
If one were truely a prudent mariner regarding thru-hulls, then you would have a proper sized wooden plug with a lanyard at the ready at each thru-hull location. This way if you were onboard and their is a failure of a thru-hull valve you can at least plug the thru hull itself. However, wooden plugs provide better protection when hammered in from the underwater side for a temporary fix. I am not opposed to what the Catalina factory has to say about closing thru-hulls, nor do I take issue with anyone who closes thru hulls prior to leaving their vessels. I for one find the new thru hulls rather fragile from the heftier stainless valves I had on prior vessels. With these valves Catalina uses I change or tighten my stainless clamps as a rule every season and inspect hoses several times a year. I make sure nothing is stored anywhere near the thru hulls that can knock the valve or handle and cause any damage. I think continuous opening and closing would wear these things down! If your hanging up visual reminders of closed valves to reminder you to open them then more power to you. Bob
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