Exhaust waterlocks

[rascacio]

I'm wondering if anyone can help with this query ? I have a Vetus LSG exhaust waterlock as my exhaust is about 5 metres long and transom mounted.

It was already installed when I bought the boat in 2004. It developed a crack on the exit end spigot (rotatable) which I've repaired several times due to the fact that Vetus changed the clamping spec a few years ago and the new ones although the same size have different mating flanges so the cheap option i.e new spigots for about £50 becomes a new LSG at around £380 !!! Ouch.

Could I use a simpler/cheaper system ? and if so what type ?


So, anyone got any alternatives or different ideas that would come in at a more reasonable price ?

Any feedback would be gratefully appreciated

 

[Tranona]

Think you are stuck with that system. Have just been through the process of looking for alternatives to Vetus for my new installation and the only readily available alternative from Halyard is comparable in price across the range and not as easy to fit (lacking the rotating spigots).

Although it sounds expensive it is an essential piece of equipment. If you don't have it you run the risk of water getting back in the engine - which makes £384 cheap! And you may then need a seperate silencer.

Prior to Vetus coming on the market, traps were usually made of stainless which potentially has a shorter life because welds do not like hot salt water - and they were/are more expensive to make.

 

[ianabc]

A simple exhaust system

Apart from the tried and true lagged hot pipe that exits through the transom and goes underwater as used on most steel boats built here there is the standpipe system.

This is the umbrella type that uses a stainless steel cylinder of say 5 or 6 inch diameter with the exhaust entering at the bottom of the cylinder projecting up almost to the top.

The cooling water enters through a top pipe but is prevented from flowing back to the engine by a stainless steel cap or umbrella.

The outlet is close to the bottom.

This works well so long as the system is high in the boat.

Advantages, no plastic no rubber to burn

also cannot flood the engine on missed starts as the system is self draining.

See Nigel Calders Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical book for a diagram.

Saves on engines!

 

[tel1]

i just replaced my engine, the exhaust diameter was 30mm more than the old, all in all i needed to re do my entire exhaust system, 7 metres new hose, a bigger exhaust size hole out the boat and a new water trap, allthough all i done was get it re welded as it was stainless. all in all it was about £400 for new exhaust system, expensive, but then most essentials on boats are expensive. if you dont have this system you will flood your engine and that will be more expensive than £400!

looks like the christmas money has just been spent.

 

[mitiempo]

The Vetus waterlocks are probably the least expensive good solution available. But if your cooling water isn't injected they do melt on occasion.
As mentioned stainless works well but it has a finite life due to corrosion.
Fibreglass waterlifts will probably last the longest as there are no corrosion issues to deal with.
Both stainless and fiberglass will cost more than a Vetus.

 

[rascacio]

Vetus waterlock

Thanks to everyone for your input. Looks like it's a new Vetus then, I'll just have to add it to the ever growing list to get back in the water.