Y - Valve replacement

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Jun 6, 2004
78
- - Port Stanley
Hello
I am replacing all the hoses for my head and was wondering what Y valve is the best. I have looked at Forespare and Jabsco but they do not receive very good reviews. The Whale valve looks to be robust but I can’t find any reviews.
Doug
 
May 24, 2004
7,174
CC 30 South Florida
I would apply the Duck Theory. If it looks like a robust valve and works and feel like a robust valve, it is probably a robust valve. Whale is a reputable manufacturer so more than likely they put out a good product. Good project.
 
Sep 29, 2008
162
Morgan Out Island 33 Pompano Beach
I have 2, both mfr'd by Bosworth, under the "Seal-Lect" brand. I replaced 1 about a year ago-didnt properly lube it and snapped off the handle. After 6 months the new one became very stiff again. I contacted Bosworth to get a recommend on the lube to use. They told me they redesigned some parts and would send the new versions to allow me to refit both valves, which they did NO CHARGE.

The parts included a new design plug with an "o-ring" build into the curved face, rather than the previous one wich is just a flat curved surface. So far it seems ok. Time will tell, but their service was pretty good. Bob
 

Joe

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Jun 1, 2004
8,199
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
I replaced my 33 year old Whale with the black Forespar model about a year ago. I think the secret to longevity in these types of parts is to use them, just like thru-hulls, so they don't get locked up.... Even though I rarely use my holding tank, I switch the valve there often..... When I rebuilt the plumbing I relocated the diverter valve to a convenient location in the head. I think these parts are only as good as you treat them....and .... you get what you pay for.
 
Jun 6, 2004
78
- - Port Stanley
Thanks for the feed back. It’s great to get first hand info before you make a purchase.
I am leaning toward the Jabsco Y-valve. A friend has one on this 44 sailboat and has not had any problems with it. The other thing I like about it is the fact that you can adjust the discharge ports 360 degrees. I am using Trident Premium hose and it is tough stuff to work with.
 
Dec 2, 1997
8,946
- - LIttle Rock
Go with Whale...it's the best out there

The best y-valves have a robust handle and a "barrel" inside that rotates to line up with all the holes...Jabsco y-valves have a flimsy "gate" that the handle swings to block the outgoing holes...even a grape seed can jam it. Ajustable hose fittings sound like a good idea, but are actually pretty useless...not really needed if you choose the location for the y-valve carefully. Your friend just hasn't had any problems with his YET, 'cuz I've never met one that didn't leak after a few years. And it costs as much as a Whale.

However this whole discussion is moot because all the Great Lakes--US and CN--are "no discharge," which makes it illegal to dump a tank or flush a toilet directly overboard. In fact, you're at least 700 miles from any waters where you can dump a tank or flush directly overboard....so you don't have any need for a y-valve unless you plan to use it illegally, which can cost you BIG bucks if you're caught doing it, especially in CN waters, 'cuz they enforce it more diligently than we do.
 
Jun 6, 2004
78
- - Port Stanley
Peggy
Thanks for the Information on the Whale Y-valve, I will look at my installation and work it in.
As for grape seeds the only ones that I consume have already been crushed, filtered and fermented.
Thanks also for the MOOT point information but I already know all about that!! The discharge line will be disconnected and capped at the thru-hull while we are in the Great Lakes and US waters. Once we have taken the boat South I can re-connect the discharge line.
 
Jan 10, 2012
1
C&C 35 Mk III Rose City YC, Portland, OR
Remove and Don't Replace Y-Valve

Even though I sail in places where I can pump out legally, I removed the Y-valve and extra plumbing so everything from the head goes directly into the holding tank. Then I added a "T" fitting at the outlet from the holding tank, and added a pump between the outlet "T" and the thru hull. Now I can use a dockside pump out and I can pump out into the ocean when offshore. I get the same benefit without the extra valve which could put you in a bind if it ever fails.
 
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