Spare Bolts for Blakes Seacocks.

[donncha]

I am currently in the process of renovating 3 old Blakes sea cocks. The sea cocks are in good working order, apart from some dirt and grime. I did however have to cut away some bolts and nuts in the process of extracting these fittings.

I need of 8 of the bigger sized bolts with corresponding nuts, which measure 70mm in length(including the cup-square bolt head). Also I require one of the smaller 55mm bolts and a corresponding nut. I have emailed Blakes directly about this but as of yet I have yet to receive a reply. I then got into contact with a distributor, who was extremely helpful and informative.

However the cost quoted by the distributor for these bolts is very prohibitive at £11 each for the bolts and nearly £3 per nut. It comes out as £151 with delivery and VAT. Can anyone think of an alternative solution? I really want to use the old Blakes sea cocks as they are fantastic pieces of equipment. I know using stainless steel is out of the question but would anyone know a source of bronze bolts and nuts that might prove to be a bit more affordable?

Cutting away those bolts seems very stupid now, but I am pretty sure they weren't going anywhere otherwise.

 

[Forbsie]

Worth getting a price from Anglia Stainless.

 

[samwestwood]

Solent Marine Chandelry in gosport used to keep a stock of them would be worth giving them a call.

http://www.solentmarine.co.uk/

 

[doug748]

As far as I am aware all Contessa yachts had Blakes seacocks fitted as a matter of course - with stainless nuts and bolts, perhaps Jeremy Rogers did'nt fancy the price either. Should be a problem I know, but in practice I have yet to hear of any trouble. A wooden hull may be a different proposition, If you try it a liberal blast of sealant would be in order.
BTW the larger Blakes seacock is now priced at nearly £150. How long before they are available from India for 16 quid each.

 

[Poignard]

As a matter of interest [well I think it's interesting], the original Blakes seacocks in my boat are not bolted to the hull at all but have their flanges glassed to the inside of the hull, with many laminations of glass mat over the flange. This must have been done to a very high standard because even after 42-years, there are no leaks around them.

Maybe her builders [Uphams of Brixham] felt that Blakes bolts were a rip-off all those years ago!

 

[donncha]

Thanks for the replies. I have got a quote from another distributor since and the price the bolts at £11.75 and the nuts at £4.49 each. So i would say any "official blakes" spare parts will cost that much. Sent inquiry to Anglia Stainless about silicon bronze bolts, thanks Forbsie. Waiting for reply. Would be interested in the stainless option, really over 150 quid for some bolts. However with a wooden boat got to be safe and it's a pity I couldn't just fiberglass them in, and no I wouldn't even dare to suggest such sacrilege on a wooden boat.


Btw got this off the Blakes website:
[ QUOTE ]

The body and plug are made of DZR1 (BSEN 1982 CC752C). A dezincification resistant brass for die casting
If zinc is leached from brass by sea water corrosion, the brass will become porous and fail. DZR1 resists the zinc removal and is approved by Lloyds if used in a marine environment.
The seacock bolts are manufactured from Phosphor bronze.

[/ QUOTE ]

If proper rubber gaskets what would people thoughts be about using stainless?

 

[Seanick]

Anglia will prob charge about 3.50 each, plus n/w.

 

[Billjratt]

Bet that makes everyone think twice before cutting/grinding in future!