thru hull fitting

[Kevin]

Upon returning to the dock yesterday I noticed to my horror that the "mushroom head" on one of the thru hull fittings was gone (the one on the port side near the sink). It appears to have broken off approximately flush with the hull. As near as I can tell, the boat is not taking on water and the inside portion appears to be intact. Has anyone else experienced this and do I dare wait until I haul it out this fall to repair it? Any suggestions on how to make the repair would also be appreciated.

 

[Ric Shultz]

now

I would replace it yesterday. Heal the boat at the dock by attaching the main halyard to the dock and grinding in a bit. You then can acess the hull above the waterline from a dingy.Ric

 

[Keith]

Agree with Now

I agree with Ric. If the outside head is gone, you no longer have any positive clamping force to secure the fitting, and water pressure is working against you. I replaced the factory plastic thru-hull on my 23 with a bronze fitting and a ball valve shutoff just inside. Ric's method is a good one.

 

[Kevin]

good advice

Good advice. I think I'll try to order the part from D and R marine and install asap. The Morning Dove is docked near my house, so I can monitor things closely.