Seacock Valve Washers

[Richard_H]

Have started to renew seacock inlet/oulet valves on My Moody 27 - main problem seems to have been where water has seeped through and rotted the large diameter wood/ply strengthening washers securing valve to inside of hull - about 5inches in diameter. This seems to be the major cause of wet bilghes on my boat. Can anyone advise if when I refit new valves we use large plastic or nylon washers instead of wood - is this likely to cause any problems rather than using 1/2 inch marine ply. Seems that nylon washers of same size will not rot - is this a good idea? Or is it likely to cause unknown difficulties?

Appreciate help

Richard H.

 

[mickp]

Richard - Same problem I am currently in middle of replacing 6 seacocks on my Moody 33 during the processs found also leaking hull fittings and on one the wooden backing plate was rotton. I have manufactured a new plate from marine ply and glued to hull with sealant then fitted new hull fitting. I believe at least with the wooden plate the hull fitting can be tightened up more. Will find out if it worked when boat relaunched this sunday.

 

[Strathglass]

Fit new marine ply pads. You should remove the old skin fittings and pads. Clean the inside of the hull fully. THe new pads should start with only a 12 mm central whole. Epoxy the new pads in using a thick epoxy paste and hold them in position using a thro bolt and large washer. Do not overtighted or you will push out all the epoxy.
When the epoxy is set remove the bolt ane washer then drill a hole in the pad. This hole should give between 1 & 2 mm clearance around the skin fitting. Remove the skin fitting and coat all of the wooden pad with neat epoxy particularally inside the hole. When this has set then refit the skin fitting with mastic of your choice. After this you will have no problems with the pads.
Iain

 

[vyv_cox]

Rot

only occurs because water is getting through. Ensure that the valve penetration through the hull is sealed correctly and you will have no further problems. Wood is a better backing pad as it spreads the load more evenly than most other materials. When you are making up the connection ensure that you don't rotate the seacock as you tighten the nuts. Use a suitable underwater sealant.