AndrewB
Well-known member
Finally plunged up the courage to change an underwater seacock yesterday. The 1½ inch heads outlet. I first canted the yacht with a halliard from the masthead. This helped me reach down far enough underwater to shove a wood bung into the hole from the outside. It didn't stop the flow entirely, but reduced the rate to something the bilge pump could keep up with. After the cocks were changed, the final operation was to shove out the bung from the inside, then slam shut the new seacock as a tidal wave entered. Altogether a very wet experience, but a warm shower and a complete change of clothes awaited. Luckily - and with the help of much PTFE - all has proved watertight.
I wanted to change the seacock because the old one was a brass gate-valve, of a type frequently denigrated on this board, which has been in place 8 years. In fact it has come off in perfect condition, with no sign of de-zincing, and the blockage which had prevented the gate fully closing was easily cleared. Anyone want an old 1½" brass gate valve?
I wanted to change the seacock because the old one was a brass gate-valve, of a type frequently denigrated on this board, which has been in place 8 years. In fact it has come off in perfect condition, with no sign of de-zincing, and the blockage which had prevented the gate fully closing was easily cleared. Anyone want an old 1½" brass gate valve?