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wrote:

On 15 Dec 2003 16:23:29 GMT, (IamAeolus) wrote:

The reason often given as to why ball valves are not "acceptable" on thru-hulls
is that they lack the support that seacocks have. That support MIGHT be
needed to close them in an emergency and could possible break off (with
disasterous results unless you had some tapered wood plugs handy). Yet many
boats come equipped with properly functioning ball valves. I think the key
here is make sure your ball valves continue to properly function by actuating
them once a month or so and lubricating the top and bottom of the ball at
least annually. If they are working properly, they are probably safe enough.
Certainly safer than a seacock that has not been maintained....

Well, I replaced gate valves with ball cocks from Home Depot here in
the Great Lakes, where we can get away with that sort of thing. I
check them and keep them moving freely in and out of the water (we are
on the hard 5 1/2 months out of 12 in Toronto) but all of them have
properly sized plugs tied to their bases. Wouldn't leave the dock
without 'em.

Our gate valves were replaced by "marine" ball cocks 11 years ago. Much
later, I found out that the "better" Home Depot ball valves were identical.

BUT there are more-proper "seacock" versions of the ball valves that
bolt to/through the hull that you'll only find at the chandlry. I
changed out our engine intake to one because it's not protected against
hard knocks, but the innards are identical to the ball valves: chromed
brass or copper ball in a brass body (I forget). Thus, we don't bond our
sea cocks.

I don't lube our ball valves, but open and close them every time we
sail. After 10 seasons' use, none show any problems.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

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