Corking up the seacocks

[nickrj]

Hi all,

While my boat is out of the water, I've disconnected my toilet (I was going to say head, but that sounded odd..), and threw it in the bin. I would like to cork all the seacocks, except for the sink and engine inlet - What is the best way to do this without it becoming a permanent solution? Would it be un-seamanlike to bang a cork in there and sikaflex over the top? What else could I do?

Thanks! Nick

 

[Roach1948]

I thought Contessa's came with Blakes Seacocks as standard? If so, grease them, and you will be fine with them in the closed position. If not, then knock in softwood bungs from the outside in. I would also be tempted to make an uninterupted loop from the toilet intake to the outlet - using double hoseclips on each cock. Forget the sikaflex, its a nightmare to remove and unnecessary expense.

 

[nickrj]

Yes, they do have Blakes Seacocks, I just wanted to cork them for added security. Good idea on the loop, genius!

 

[samwise]

Long distance cruiser Peter Hancock went the whole nine yards with his Contessa and junked the engine as well as the heads. I'm not sure how you overcome the holding tank requirement with a bucket and chuck it arrangement. Maybe you are exempted. It will make an interesting test case!

 

[nickrj]

Well, my engine may be junked unless it's easily fixable! As for holding tank requirements, it's not illegal to have a boat without heads ...

 

[Tranona]

Why not leave a short length of pipe on and fill with a wooden bung. Loop is not a good idea as they are different diameters so you will be into reducers and lots of clips.

There is no way they can fail anyway if the locking plate is secure, but the bung will be added protection if the handles get knocked - although you can always take the handles off as well.

 

[CodStewart]

Can't you have one of those portable bogs onboard for places where they want holding tanks? Pretend to use it, like. Just keep some old pooh and wee in it in case it's checked.

 

[Rivers & creeks]

[ QUOTE ]
Just keep some old pooh and wee in it in case it's checked.

[/ QUOTE ] Suggest you use fake dog poo and a bit of lemon juice - old poo and wee might go orf!

 

[Gargleblaster]

Just for my own information, why keep your sink outlet working if shutting off all others? I always shut mine before going to sea and use salt water in a bucket for washing dishes and pans.

I rely on my seacocks to keep the water out and don't really see a reason to bung them up as you are suggesting. But then I've never had a seacock fail other than getting locked off in the closed position and impossible to open.