I am replacing the piping to the head on my Morgan 38 we bought last year and want to make sure I do it right the first time. In currently uses a seacock on the head overboard discharge and a gate valve on the line to the holding tank. Opening one and closing the other switches waste flow - this has worked for 25 years but I don't like the gate valve. I am trying to decide between replacing the gate valve with a ball valve and keeping the configuration largely unchanged or installing a y-valve instead. I've read that some plastic y-valves have weak handles that break. Any advice appreciated. Thanks. -Alan
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Y Valve
Alan; Legally you need a Y valve that can be secured in either position between the head and the holding tank-overboard discharge. Within the 3 mile 'offshore' limit the Y valve must be secured in the position that directs the flow to the holding tank, so that it cannot be accidently changed. If you buy one of these Y valves you will not need to worry about the handle.
Alan; Legally you need a Y valve that can be secured in either position between the head and the holding tank-overboard discharge. Within the 3 mile 'offshore' limit the Y valve must be secured in the position that directs the flow to the holding tank, so that it cannot be accidently changed. If you buy one of these Y valves you will not need to worry about the handle.
No legal requirement to have a specific type of valve
The law only requires that ANY valves be capable of being secured against "accidental" illegal discharge. So his gate valve is just as legal as a y-valve. And while you wouldn't want a gate valve as a seacock, it's ok as a "diverter" valve...but after 25 years, it's prob'ly time to replace it with something. And IMO, a y-valve would simplify the system. Whale makes a good one with a handl that isn't likely to break. However, any valve will bind or seize if it's not used for an extended period. So make a point of "exercising" ALL your valves and seacocks monthly, whether you ever actually change the direction of flow through 'em or not.
The law only requires that ANY valves be capable of being secured against "accidental" illegal discharge. So his gate valve is just as legal as a y-valve. And while you wouldn't want a gate valve as a seacock, it's ok as a "diverter" valve...but after 25 years, it's prob'ly time to replace it with something. And IMO, a y-valve would simplify the system. Whale makes a good one with a handl that isn't likely to break. However, any valve will bind or seize if it's not used for an extended period. So make a point of "exercising" ALL your valves and seacocks monthly, whether you ever actually change the direction of flow through 'em or not.
Overboard Discharge
The 'gate valve' doesn't prevent overboard discharge on Alan's boat, only the seacock (ball valve) on the through hull does, and that is the one that needs to be secured.
The 'gate valve' doesn't prevent overboard discharge on Alan's boat, only the seacock (ball valve) on the through hull does, and that is the one that needs to be secured.
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