Bronze seacocks going pink

P

Pavalijo

Well-Known Member
Joined
18 Jan 2013
Messages
425
Visit site
when I purchased Calypso the previous owner said that the seacocks had recently been replaced with bronze fittings. I did know to look for the CR mark on DZR seacocks, but this does not appear on bronze so I took this at face value.

I routinely close the underwater seacocks when leaving the boat and noticed last year that the new seacocks seemed to be turning pink.

They were replaced towards the end of 2012. Before I take the grinder to them this weekend, does anyone recognise the markings on the attached photos?

On another note - I have the invoice to the previous owner that specifically refers to "bronze" seacocks. The previous owner advised me that they were bronze in good faith - any lawyers present who can tell me whether I have a claim and if so who against? I have no intention of causing an issue with the vendor - they were nice genuine people. On the same invoice was an item for re sealing port lights - 2 of which still leak, so wouldn't mind stirring it up with the contractor, if these are cheap brass fittings.

Thanks in advance, Paul
 
Pavalijo said:
when I purchased Calypso the previous owner said that the seacocks had recently been replaced with bronze fittings. I did know to look for the CR mark on DZR seacocks, but this does not appear on bronze so I took this at face value.

I routinely close the underwater seacocks when leaving the boat and noticed last year that the new seacocks seemed to be turning pink.

They were replaced towards the end of 2012. Before I take the grinder to them this weekend, does anyone recognise the markings on the attached photos?

On another note - I have the invoice to the previous owner that specifically refers to "bronze" seacocks. The previous owner advised me that they were bronze in good faith - any lawyers present who can tell me whether I have a claim and if so who against? I have no intention of causing an issue with the vendor - they were nice genuine people. On the same invoice was an item for re sealing port lights - 2 of which still leak, so wouldn't mind stirring it up with the contractor, if these are cheap brass fittings.

Thanks in advance, Paul
Click to expand...

Firstly, no photos. Secondly, if anyone has a claim I would suggest it's the person who paid the bill for the seacocks if they are not as described. If you had the chance to thoroughly inspect the boat prior to purchase it may well be a case of caveat emptor, buyer beware.

I see photos have now appeared:)
 
I'm no expert on the pink that you refer to but I'm wondering why you'd be taking a grinder to them. Won't they unscrew from the skin fitting?
 
Last edited:
I'm assuming that the skin fitting could be the same material, but in any event going to use Marelon 93 series - will see if the skin fitting comes out without grinding the face off, but read it might be easier that way.

I don't think that caveat emptor applies in the case of misdescription - at least not in English law (the purchase occurred in Scotland), but as I say I'm not going after the vendor as they acted in good faith. I doubt that I can seek compensation from the contractor, but I am no lawyer!
 
Pavalijo said:
I'm assuming that the skin fitting could be the same material, but in any event going to use Marelon 93 series - will see if the skin fitting comes out without grinding the face off, but read it might be easier that way.

I don't think that caveat emptor applies in the case of misdescription - at least not in English law (the purchase occurred in Scotland), but as I say I'm not going after the vendor as they acted in good faith. I doubt that I can seek compensation from the contractor, but I am no lawyer!
Click to expand...

It is impossible to deduce anything from the photos certainly nothing to cause alarm

Even if the fittings are not bronze any dezincification will occur on the insides where they are in contact with the water. It is a galvanic process that can occur when ordinary brass is immersed in seawater.

If you are concerned inspect the surfaces that are in contact with the water. There is no need to panic even if it seems likely that they are ordinary brass as that would have an expected life in excess of 5 years.
 
In most cases of failure that I am aware of it's the threaded (= thin) sections of the skin fitting and hose tail that are most likely to fail in dezincification. I think the elbow I can see in your photo may well be bronze. Before you destroy anything have a good look at the threads of the associated parts.

It does seem that even bronze may display a pink colour after years in service but it is only a very thin layer and harmless.
 
Pavalijo said:
when I purchased Calypso the previous owner said that the seacocks had recently been replaced with bronze fittings. I did know to look for the CR mark on DZR seacocks, but this does not appear on bronze so I took this at face value.

I routinely close the underwater seacocks when leaving the boat and noticed last year that the new seacocks seemed to be turning pink.

They were replaced towards the end of 2012. Before I take the grinder to them this weekend, does anyone recognise the markings on the attached photos?

On another note - I have the invoice to the previous owner that specifically refers to "bronze" seacocks. The previous owner advised me that they were bronze in good faith - any lawyers present who can tell me whether I have a claim and if so who against? I have no intention of causing an issue with the vendor - they were nice genuine people. On the same invoice was an item for re sealing port lights - 2 of which still leak, so wouldn't mind stirring it up with the contractor, if these are cheap brass fittings.

Thanks in advance, Paul
Click to expand...

You are a boat owner. Things happen. Get used to it.
 
My sides are splitting.

The money is not an issue here - it's a principle. I begrudge not a penny that I spend on Calypso, and I am under no illusion of the likely cost of ownership - except when ripped off or someone claiming to be an expert wants paying for their negligence.

Thanks for the helpful input those who did give advice. We are hauling out in another hour and will take apart and examine carefully as Vyv suggests.
Paul
 
An interesting day - by remarkable coincidence the chandlery at Kip have a sample of a seacock with identical markings and the rep came by today.

The seacocks are indeed bronze and are Italian made - apparently at the same manufacturer who make the Vetus product. It was confirmed that the price paid by previous owner of £45 plus VAT for 1 1/2 inch seacock is correct (current retail price £48+). This low price and the pink colour is what made me suspicious in the first place - but false alarm. Thanks for the advice - the Yachting Monthly campaign against pink seacocks set me down the wrong track.
Paul
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

S
Removing Seacocks/through hulls that have been glassed in
Replies
15
Views
583
Tranona
T

Share this page

Top