Thru - Hull

[Bruce]

I am in the process of changing out my sani-hose and have noticed that I have a leak coming from the handle of my ball valve. I thought I would change it as we are hauling out in a weeks time. My question is do I buy a bronze or a brass valve. Both have a stainless ball. What are the pros with one over the other.Thanks in advance.

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Bronze or marelon...not brass.

 

[Steve Dion]

Bronze

Bruce:You are not going to find a lot of BRASS thru hulls for the marine environment. This is where the trouble lies. If you put a Brass ball valve on a Bronze thru hull you are guaranteed of galvanic corrosion. It is just a matter of time. Personally I would not use a Marelon valve on ANY thru hull that is below the waterline. If you grab ahold of one the handles and feel how flimsy they feel you will probably feel the same way (and they cost more). The advantage is the fact that they are not going to corrode.There is not really that much difference in the Brass and Bronze when you consider that you won't probably have to replace it again for 10-15 years.