Don't Go Off "Half-Cocked"!


When is the last time you exercised the seacocks on your boat? If it's been a while, you should consider doing it before you take that next cruise. Why? Because a seacock is worthless unless it works when you need it.

 The first thing to do is to make sure the valve looks like it is in good condition; and not suffering from any electrolysis. Badly rusted or corroded seacocks can suddenly break off or start leaking.

Another excellent idea is to tie a wooden plug of the proper size to the seacock handle so that it's immediately available as a last resort in case you do experience a seacock failure.

         
Seacocks come in a wide variety of sizes depending on the usage. The most common are bronze fittings, but there are also stainless steel and nylon fittings. Each probably have their advantages but bronze is tried and true and it seems like the best alternative.

Make sure you don't connect any dissimilar metals, because the electrolysis it causes is deadly.

When you are dealing with as important an area as holes in the bottom of your boat, it's a also good idea to use double hose clamps and check the fittings on a regular basis.

To keep seacocks functioning reliably, they need to be operated every once in a while, and lubricated at least once a year. Cone and plug type seacocks need to be disassembled to be properly serviced, but ball-valve seacocks are easily maintained by spreading a dollop of waterproof grease on both sides of the closed ball.

By Bill Schrama
www.BoatFinance.com