Servicing Seacocks On A Westerly Pageant

[conks01]

I have recently purchased a Westerly Pageant and I've started to research how to service Seacocks.

The advice is varied and although I do not know what the Seacocks are I suspect they're original and are brass type with handles.

To be honest they look a tad tired and I would believe probably need cleaning up and servicing.

I'm not sure how to go about this and I'm not sure how far to take it. Again I'm also unaware how to physically test them.

I would be grateful for any advice. Thanks.

 

[Old Harry]

are they Blakes

http://blakes-lavac-taylors.co.uk/blakes_seacocks.htm

http://blakes-lavac-taylors.co.uk/faqs4.htm

 

[VicS]

I have recently purchased a Westerly Pageant and I've started to research how to service Seacocks.

The advice is varied and although I do not know what the Seacocks are I suspect they're original and are brass type with handles.

To be honest they look a tad tired and I would believe probably need cleaning up and servicing.

I'm not sure how to go about this and I'm not sure how far to take it. Again I'm also unaware how to physically test them.

I would be grateful for any advice. Thanks.

If they are original Blakes then almost certainly bronze, not brass, and well worth overhauling and keeping

 

[paulieraw]

If they are original Blakes then almost certainly bronze, not brass, and well worth overhauling and keeping

If anything like my Mac Webster they may be a bit like domestic ones if that is the case I would recommend replacement

 

[Tranona]

They will almost certainly be Blake's for the loo but the engine inlet may be a combined valve and strainer. The cockpit drains may be gate valves with a wheel to operate. Ideally these should be replaced with DZR ball valves. They will probably be seized open anyway!

 

[conks01]

I would think so. I'm there tomorrow so will grab some pics.

 

[thesaintlyone]

Post pictures of all your seacocks to get better advice likely a mixture of Blakes and if original gate valves. do they move or are they stuck solid

 

[conks01]

Hi - Thanks. I've uploaded the seacocks for the heads (1st pic) and the 2nd pic shows the engine seacock. I can't seem to locate any others. There doesn't appear to be any cockpit seacocks?

 

[Tranona]

As expected the toilet ones are Blake's so probably just need the cones cleaning and greasing. Instructions on their website. The engine inlet is a ball valve which cannot be serviced. Just make sure it moves freely. It is open when the lever is in line with the valve body. There is probably no need for that wire which may go to an anode which it does not need.

 

[CCJ]

The engine inlet looks like there is a bonding wire from an anode that should be disconnected

 

[VicS]

Hi - Thanks. I've uploaded the seacocks for the heads (1st pic) and the 2nd pic shows the engine seacock. I can't seem to locate any others. There doesn't appear to be any cockpit seacocks?

That is surprising! Are you saying that the cockpit drains are connected to skin fittings without there being any valves ?

Do you have a galley sink which drains overboard? If so there will probably be a valve on that too. Originally a gate valve most likely.

 

[Simonpk]

There should be cockpit seacocks, IIRC in the locker at the bottom end of the quarter berths.

 

[Brent Swain]

I have been using only stainless type 316 ball valves for over 40 years. Zero maintenance and zero problems in over 40 years .

 

[PaulRainbow]

That is surprising! Are you saying that the cockpit drains are connected to skin fittings without there being any valves ?

Do you have a galley sink which drains overboard? If so there will probably be a valve on that too. Originally a gate valve most likely.

My cockpit drains have no valves, but the galley and heads sinks do.

 

[zoidberg]

It's difficult to determine from a blurred photo ( the second one ), but it looks like that raw water intake 'stack' has dissimilar metals in it, possibly an ordinary brass but wholly inappropriate plumbing fitting. It also looks like something is 'bunged' into an outlet orifice. There was a significant problem unearthed on these pages a few years ago, when it was discovered that many boats had had 'ordinary brass' shut-off cocks and fittings mounted where they could 'dezincify', turning the metal into weak, fragile spongy material. Several boats sunk as a consequence of the weakened devices failing.

I'd encourage you to make damn sure that your seacocks/inlets are NOT corroded like that. Find someone who really knows, in your boatyard/marina office, and have the benefits of an experienced eye. This is not an issue for 'winging it'.

 

[VicS]

My cockpit drains have no valves, but the galley and heads sinks do.

Let me rephrase. It is surprising if Westerly did not fit valves or seacocks on the cockpit drains.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Let me rephrase. It is surprising if Westerly did not fit valves or seacocks on the cockpit drains.

Well, they didn't fit them to some models, at least. I think they fitted them on certain models (smaller boats ?) but certainly none on any of the bigger models that i have looked at. In fact, i see few boats that do have seacocks on the cockpit drains.

 

[VicS]

Well, they didn't fit them to some models, at least. I think they fitted them on certain models (smaller boats ?) but certainly none on any of the bigger models that i have looked at. In fact, i see few boats that do have seacocks on the cockpit drains.

I am pretty sure the Berwick was fitted with seacocks on the drains but we never shut any of them, except the engine cooling water intake and even that was normally left open. Eventually all the others were immovable.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I am pretty sure the Berwick was fitted with seacocks on the drains but we never shut any of them, except the engine cooling water intake and even that was normally left open. Eventually all the others were immovable.

You crewed one for years, so you should know

 

[mogmog2]

Coincidentally working on my Centaur heads outlet seacock. I'll chip in as it may help the OP.
Anyone know what size the nuts would be? Mine is old, like his, with slotted heads. 9/16 af is too small & 5/8 too big. I've only got a 15mm ring spanner here & that won't go on due to the shape of the casting. Are these some archaic plumbing size?
Cheers.