Are non-metallic seacocks any good?

[silver-fox]

Having just bought a boat with all the sea cocks frozen open, I shall be following the surveyors recommendation and replacing them.

I understand that there are now some good non-metallic seacocks that are maintenance (!) free - which sounds very interesting. Can anyone advise me on their experience and recommend a supplier/brand?

 

[abbott013]

try these people, they will have every thing you want.

http://www.marine-hardware.co.uk/

 

[silver-fox]

[ QUOTE ]

try these people, they will have every thing you want.

http://www.marine-hardware.co.uk/

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the intro - lots of gear at good prices BUT no seacocks! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[abbott013]

they do sell sea cocks, try there plumbing section if not give them a ring,

 

[VicS]

Do a Google search for "plastic seacocks" and you will find these and others.

 

[yindoor2]

Hi Stevie
I have fitted Patay Seacocks to my boat two years ago. No problems so far. Can be found if you google the name.
Regards Ian

 

[Salty John]

Look for the names Xytel (a duPont plastic) and Marelon, which is derivative of Xytel, I believe. This material has been used for seacocks for many years. The drawbacks of plastic seacocks are the fact that they will melt if the boat catches fire, but so will the hose on a metal seacock, and the spigots are fragile compared to bronze. However, I think they have passed the test of time so wouldn't hesitate to use Marelon valves on my boat.

 

[asj1]

If they are bronze Blakes type cone valves you will be able to unstick them when the boat is out of the water and then get them working again as good as new. It was exactly the same on the boat I bought. A drift (old broom handle ?) banged up hard from underneath, having heated them and tried easing oil - they just popped out. Working them smooth with grinding paste got them working well. They are a joy to use now - one finger operation and dosn't leak a drop !

 

[Sans Bateau]

Shouldnt be a problem at all, Etap have used plastic seacocks for years, in fact our first one was a 22ft boat of 1972 vintage with plastic seacocks.

 

[KellysEye]

We have a steel boat and all our seacocks are Marelon. There is no 'maintenance' as such, just be sure to open and close them occasionally.

There are cheap plastic seacocks available, don't touch them. We had one on the boat when we bought it, it jammed open and nearly caused us considerable grief.

 

[silver-fox]

thanks everyone - I know what to look for now /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif