Thru Hull/Seacock Replacement

A_Sails_Pace

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Can anyone recommend any person/company in the Burnham/Fambridge area who can service/replace some of my thru hulls? Typically as soon as I start looking at launch dates it seems my to-do list isn't quite as done as I thought it may have been. Understandably a lot of yard maintence firms are super busy right now but I was wondering if anyone has any good recommendations at all? The thru hulls are something I'd much prefer to be done professionally for my first time.

Any recommendations much appreciated.

Regards

A.S.P
 
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There's really nothing to it, all you need is a bit of common sense and patience (double-jointed arms can be useful too). There'll be plenty of people on here who can guide you if necessary. Just ensure the areas around the skin-fittings are clean and that you bed the new items down on a decent sealant - I use Sika 291.

Doing it yourself will boost confidence and you'll know the job has been done carefully.
 
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Doing it yourself will boost confidence and you'll know the job has been done carefully.
But one does not know if it has been done right if one has never done it before. Doing a job ones self does not mean it is done correctly. One only has to look at bodges on second hand boats to see the " I like to do things myself," cock ups to see how bad some of the, "know it all" brigade perform.

The OP may well be using some common sense in this situation, if he is not sure. So why does he need to know how? He may not need another for 10 years & can get it done professionally then if he wants.
 
Thanks for all of the advice above. I have considered doing it myself, and have really looked into it. It's been a busy few months with repairs and maintence already, and I just feel I'd perhaps like to have this particular job done professionally on this occasion. I really just want to get back on the water as soon as possible (it's been a long winter in the yard).

Thanks again,

A.S.P
 
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But one does not know if it has been done right if one has never done it before. Doing a job ones self does not mean it is done correctly. One only has to look at bodges on second hand boats to see the " I like to do things myself," cock ups to see how bad some of the, "know it all" brigade perform.

The OP may well be using some common sense in this situation, if he is not sure. So why does he need to know how? He may not need another for 10 years & can get it done professionally then if he wants.
I've met several owners who've been reluctant to tackle skin-fitting replacement, but solely because the thought of working on a hole in the hull sounds daunting. I can understand that but It's really not though - on most AWBs it's a piece of bronze or plastic with a male thread that pokes through the hull. All one has to do is bed it properly and tighten a single flanged nut on the inside. There really isn't much to get wrong.

Removing the old illustrates just how simple the task is. The argument that 'why does he need to know' is a slack one, and in extremis, potentially hazardous. In the unlikely event that a skin-fitting failed (and it does happen) a typical owner would do well if he/she were familiar with the construction and plumbing. A more positive outcome is only one of the benefits.

If the OP wants to use an engineer that's fine. I'm just suggesting that isn't the only route open.
 
Some are stuck in with epoxy. I've seen a boatyard professional struggle for hrs trying to remove one !
 
I used Butyl tape when I replaced my NASA log this spring - no problems to date - and easy to remove. Also used for sealing window frames to grp, P bracket to Hull etc etc
 
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