- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,127
Timing: the ability to select the precise moment for doing something for optimum effect,
On your boat, how do you judge that the timing is right?
Whatever scheme you employ the timing of a change is important often critical. I learned that this past week. I nearly waited too long.
I think I would like to be one of those record keepers with a meticulous list of all supplies and systems on my boat, but I am not. I know and can remember most of the things and systems on my boat only because I am constantly looking for something or inspecting my boats systems. My wife says I am a worrier at times. I fiddle with this connection or that fixture. If it is loose, I tighten it. If It is black when it should be yellow, I take it apart and try to figure out why.
It is just my way. I bought my boat #21 of 120 built in 1974 - used in 2015. There was no “Here’s your Boat Manual – It will tell you everything you need to know about your boat”. There is a lot of looking in places no one wants to open. Seeing of things that would cause most boat owners to abandon ship for the safety of a dinghy.
Last winter I made plans to inspect and replace valves or through hulls in anticipation of a long voyage into remote water. The valves and thru hulls on my boat were of an unknown age. They all have functioned without issue. I exercise all of the valves each 60-90 days. I had the boat hauled in 2018 and inspected all of the thru hulls. These looked good on the outside with good metal.
When I changed the sink drain hose this past February, I noticed a bit of stiffness in the valve. The 90-degree hose fitting appeared to be brass pipe nipple.
After changing the hose for the first time the area was dry. I decided time for a replacement was nearing. Right next to it is the Engine raw water supply valve.
Both are ¾ thru hulls. I decided I might as well consider both of them.
I started to make plans for a haul and then Corona Virus Lock downs hit. 2.5 months go by and I make my first run up to the boat. Surprise, “you got water” around the valves. It was only about a quart and a half, but where was it coming from? It did not appear to be salty on taste. It was a RED FLAG in my inspection protocol. I called the marina office. First haul date was a week from Thursday. I mopped up the water and there did not appear to be much in the way of leaking, so I headed home with fingers crossed.
One week later, after a discussion session with @LeslieTroyer and some designing of a ThruHull Wrench tool, we were off to the boat.
Started up the engine and headed to the crane. Out of the water. Washed down by the yard, we had 12 hours to remove the valves, replace them before splash down the next morning. Piece of cake. Right.
With help from SBO boating buddies @LeslieTroyer and @Ken Cross working under the boat, I started to remove the valves from the inside. The drain valve, the one that first started my concern, would rotate 180 degrees, but it was just spinning the thru hull. Darn. The thru hull seal is busted, it will need to be removed. Let’s try the better-looking valve (the engine raw water valve). I was thinking, I’ll just spin this one off and we’ll have lots of time to work on the bad boy. I put the wrench on the valve and started to twist. Pop the valve split in two and I was looking at the exposed ball in the valve.
What the… Looking at the valve the threads that were supposed to hold the valve together were nearly gone - corroded. It had been holding together on a prayer and good luck.
The rest of our efforts went smoothly. We splashed on time. The new valves look great.
Now just some clean up and a splash of bilge paint, good as new.
I have made a record of the date and materials in my boat log. $134 for materials, $336 for the short haul, peace of mind - priceless.
Timing. If you think it is time to inspect or change something on your boat, follow the Nike motto - Just Do It - sooner than later. It may already be too late.
On your boat, how do you judge that the timing is right?
- To change your thru hull.
- To buy new sails
- To change your oil
- To fill the fuel tank
Whatever scheme you employ the timing of a change is important often critical. I learned that this past week. I nearly waited too long.
I think I would like to be one of those record keepers with a meticulous list of all supplies and systems on my boat, but I am not. I know and can remember most of the things and systems on my boat only because I am constantly looking for something or inspecting my boats systems. My wife says I am a worrier at times. I fiddle with this connection or that fixture. If it is loose, I tighten it. If It is black when it should be yellow, I take it apart and try to figure out why.
It is just my way. I bought my boat #21 of 120 built in 1974 - used in 2015. There was no “Here’s your Boat Manual – It will tell you everything you need to know about your boat”. There is a lot of looking in places no one wants to open. Seeing of things that would cause most boat owners to abandon ship for the safety of a dinghy.
Last winter I made plans to inspect and replace valves or through hulls in anticipation of a long voyage into remote water. The valves and thru hulls on my boat were of an unknown age. They all have functioned without issue. I exercise all of the valves each 60-90 days. I had the boat hauled in 2018 and inspected all of the thru hulls. These looked good on the outside with good metal.
When I changed the sink drain hose this past February, I noticed a bit of stiffness in the valve. The 90-degree hose fitting appeared to be brass pipe nipple.
After changing the hose for the first time the area was dry. I decided time for a replacement was nearing. Right next to it is the Engine raw water supply valve.
Both are ¾ thru hulls. I decided I might as well consider both of them.
I started to make plans for a haul and then Corona Virus Lock downs hit. 2.5 months go by and I make my first run up to the boat. Surprise, “you got water” around the valves. It was only about a quart and a half, but where was it coming from? It did not appear to be salty on taste. It was a RED FLAG in my inspection protocol. I called the marina office. First haul date was a week from Thursday. I mopped up the water and there did not appear to be much in the way of leaking, so I headed home with fingers crossed.
One week later, after a discussion session with @LeslieTroyer and some designing of a ThruHull Wrench tool, we were off to the boat.
Started up the engine and headed to the crane. Out of the water. Washed down by the yard, we had 12 hours to remove the valves, replace them before splash down the next morning. Piece of cake. Right.
With help from SBO boating buddies @LeslieTroyer and @Ken Cross working under the boat, I started to remove the valves from the inside. The drain valve, the one that first started my concern, would rotate 180 degrees, but it was just spinning the thru hull. Darn. The thru hull seal is busted, it will need to be removed. Let’s try the better-looking valve (the engine raw water valve). I was thinking, I’ll just spin this one off and we’ll have lots of time to work on the bad boy. I put the wrench on the valve and started to twist. Pop the valve split in two and I was looking at the exposed ball in the valve.
What the… Looking at the valve the threads that were supposed to hold the valve together were nearly gone - corroded. It had been holding together on a prayer and good luck.
The rest of our efforts went smoothly. We splashed on time. The new valves look great.
Now just some clean up and a splash of bilge paint, good as new.
I have made a record of the date and materials in my boat log. $134 for materials, $336 for the short haul, peace of mind - priceless.
Timing. If you think it is time to inspect or change something on your boat, follow the Nike motto - Just Do It - sooner than later. It may already be too late.
