I was wondering if anyone ever has had a need to hammer in a plug due to thru hull valves breaking loose or whatever they do? I know this is a critical safety issue, just can't see how a thru hull valve could just give way, come apart or whatever they do. Tks
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Steve, Murphys law.
I was preparing our h27 Cherubini for one of the Hurricanes in 2005 and the last thing I went to do was to close all the through the hull valves. The galley sink valve was a massive 1 1/4" gate valve which seats at the bottom of the starboard cockpit locker. When I went to shut it off the top of the valve holding the knob came appart pulling the gate with it and letting water in. The top of the valve had corroded and just desintegrated when I put a little pressure on it to tighten it shut. A quick halout was out of the question as the nearest yard was 2-3 hours away and the winds were already whiping up. I thought about the plugs which were in the cabin (wrong place as an adequate size one should have been sitting by the valve) and I was by myself and could not see taking my hand off and letting the water rush in. I inserted the gate back into the valve and was able to contain the leak down to a dribble. I grabbed a plastic bag and stuffed it to hold the gate in and the leak practically stopped. Seeing that this would work I went into the cockpit and grabbed a roll of duct tape and secured the gate and the plastic bag by wrapping it around. Made sure the bilge pump was operating and everything was clear. The storm hit the next morning and passed closed to us. It wasn't till late afternoon I was able to get in the boat and check. Some water had come in but maybe a cup or two but the quick fix held. The following day I was able to clean the threads of the body of the valve and put a threaded cap on it to totally seal it until a halaout and replacement could be done. The boat is 20 years old and these gate valves were original manufacturer's equipment. This valve because of its location was always kept open and probably used the least. It was not frozen and closed OK until the top part just desintegrated. My recommendations would be the following; Replace all gate valves with ball type ones. Inspect the through the hulls and valves frequently. Make sure all fittings are double clamped. Check clamps and hoses. Drill a small hole in the wooden plugs so you can tie it with light fishing line to the appropiate valves. Operate the valves a few times a year and keep the greased. Keep the insurance premiums up.
I was preparing our h27 Cherubini for one of the Hurricanes in 2005 and the last thing I went to do was to close all the through the hull valves. The galley sink valve was a massive 1 1/4" gate valve which seats at the bottom of the starboard cockpit locker. When I went to shut it off the top of the valve holding the knob came appart pulling the gate with it and letting water in. The top of the valve had corroded and just desintegrated when I put a little pressure on it to tighten it shut. A quick halout was out of the question as the nearest yard was 2-3 hours away and the winds were already whiping up. I thought about the plugs which were in the cabin (wrong place as an adequate size one should have been sitting by the valve) and I was by myself and could not see taking my hand off and letting the water rush in. I inserted the gate back into the valve and was able to contain the leak down to a dribble. I grabbed a plastic bag and stuffed it to hold the gate in and the leak practically stopped. Seeing that this would work I went into the cockpit and grabbed a roll of duct tape and secured the gate and the plastic bag by wrapping it around. Made sure the bilge pump was operating and everything was clear. The storm hit the next morning and passed closed to us. It wasn't till late afternoon I was able to get in the boat and check. Some water had come in but maybe a cup or two but the quick fix held. The following day I was able to clean the threads of the body of the valve and put a threaded cap on it to totally seal it until a halaout and replacement could be done. The boat is 20 years old and these gate valves were original manufacturer's equipment. This valve because of its location was always kept open and probably used the least. It was not frozen and closed OK until the top part just desintegrated. My recommendations would be the following; Replace all gate valves with ball type ones. Inspect the through the hulls and valves frequently. Make sure all fittings are double clamped. Check clamps and hoses. Drill a small hole in the wooden plugs so you can tie it with light fishing line to the appropiate valves. Operate the valves a few times a year and keep the greased. Keep the insurance premiums up.
Ahhh Didn't think of the value itself coming apart, great story. Tks. I've got a 78 Hunter, with original valves. Gezzz something else to do...
Replaced valves
This was the first season I owned my Hunter 27 and after opening and closing those gate valves each time I was ready to sail, I assured myself that would be the first parts replacement when the boat is hauled for the winter. I am sure glad that I took care of it, not only because it is a pain in the butt to open and close, but the hose to the seacock was incorrect size and also just plain heater hose. Because of the valve locations, it is difficult to visually inspect on a daily basis. I now have 2 new ball valves installed. While I was in there, I replaced the fuel hoses from the tank to the engine because they were cracked. There has never been a day spent on that boat that I couldn't find something that could use a little attention. But I just like working on it. I am just passing the time now imagining another wonderful sailing season just a few months away.
This was the first season I owned my Hunter 27 and after opening and closing those gate valves each time I was ready to sail, I assured myself that would be the first parts replacement when the boat is hauled for the winter. I am sure glad that I took care of it, not only because it is a pain in the butt to open and close, but the hose to the seacock was incorrect size and also just plain heater hose. Because of the valve locations, it is difficult to visually inspect on a daily basis. I now have 2 new ball valves installed. While I was in there, I replaced the fuel hoses from the tank to the engine because they were cracked. There has never been a day spent on that boat that I couldn't find something that could use a little attention. But I just like working on it. I am just passing the time now imagining another wonderful sailing season just a few months away.
Quick fix
There is a product on the market called STOP-IT. It is a water activated putty system that works well, even under pressure. It's not to pricey and will work well in small leak situations, probably not on a drill pipe hole thru the hull - not uncommon in Galveston Bay.
There is a product on the market called STOP-IT. It is a water activated putty system that works well, even under pressure. It's not to pricey and will work well in small leak situations, probably not on a drill pipe hole thru the hull - not uncommon in Galveston Bay.
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