Thru Hulls

[Nick Fletcher]

I purchased a 1987 C30 and wonder if I should have the thru Hulls all repalced before launching.

 

[Jack]

Nick

I am not an expert on thru hulls or sailboats but my suggestion would be to have a pro's opinion. In other words, have them inspected. I learned to close the thru hulls after use. Someone here passed along the idea of hanging the engine start key in the engine compartment. Everytime you need to start the engine it will remind you to open the thru hull. Good luck and I'm sure other opinions will follow. good luck, Jack

 

[Tom Behrendt]

Why?

Nick,I am not aware of any issue on that yeae Catalina with the thru hull valves,unless they are not functioning properly, which would neceissitate replacing. It is prudent that you check the clamps attaching the hoses to the valves and make shure they and the hose clamps (double clamped) are in good shape. It is my opinion that all thru hulls should be closed when leaving the boat for extended periods of time. This keeps the valves operational and should keep the boat floating should the connecting hose fail.Tom Behrendt

 

[Paul17660]

Through hulls

Nick-I have an '86 Catalina 30. The through hulls and valves are all nylon. When we purchased the boat- the surveyor measured moisture content around all the through hulls and the fiberglass was in great shape- indicating Catalina did a good job bedding the through hulls in the hull. I have had to replace two valves over the years because one developed a slight leak and the other started to stick to the point that I feared that I would break something when working it. Nylon is a very chemical and age resistant thermoplastic- especially when it is shielded from the sun's UV rays- in places like a through hulls. My advice is to let them be, unless there is an obvious problem.

 

[Bob]

Why Bother

Nick.I have the 88 Mark II model and the same thru hulls as you. The nylon thru hulls Catalina uses are excellent and need to be replced if impacted or the bedding is an issue. As a rule I open and close the valves several times a year as an exercise to make sure everything is working well. On my previous boat I installed stainless steel ball type aircraft grade fuel valves over the brass type heavy duty Crittenden and nylon types. Overall the nylon seem to hold up the best. I have some concerns over the engine cooling intake thru hull valve because the handle is a bit too flexible and would be easy to bend off or break, so I am careful handling this one. Unless your planning on circumnavigating the globe in your '30, I would just leave everything alone, but check them occasionally for any signs of damage especially if you have a chance to inspect them when the boat is out of the water.BobBreezin II

 

[Nick Fletcher]

C30 Thru Hulls

Thank all of you for your input. I now feel good about the existing thru hylls.