Changing seacocks

[rigpigpaul]

I often read "all seacocks changed". Does this mean just the valves or the skin fittings as well. Also is there a method for changing the valves while the boat is still in the water. Thanks in anticipation RPP

 

[Tranona]

Depends on the type of seacocks. It is possible to change them while in the water, but you have to devise a secure way of blocking the hole when you take them out.

However, it is a job best done witrh the boat out of the water. Main things to look for are seized ball valves and corroded fittings - particularly hose tails and through hulls. Usually on older boats these are bronze or DZR which tend not to corrode, but some fittings may be brass which can suffer from dezincification. If in doubt, replace them. Blakes type seacocks usually only need stripping, cleaning and maybe lapping in the cones.