[C320-list] SS Clamp Failure

[Kirk McCullough]

I have the original clamps on Boomerang a 1994 boat with no signs of
corrosion and no failures. I suspect that your clamps are a poor quality
stainless steel. I suppose they are SS, but for a marine application we need
something like 304 or 316 SS.

Good thing you found it before you had a major failure at sea.

We lost the through hull valve while pumping out at sea once; the handle
broke off and a leak path through the handle fastener allowed 50 or more
gallons of water in before I could stop the flow. I check my through hulls
and hose clamps very frequently now...... but I've never had a clamp fail
just the Marlon thru hull valve.

Kirk
#124

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Bruce Heyman
Sent: 28 December 2007 10:03
To: 'C320-List'
Subject: Re: [C320-list] SS Clamp Failure

Barry,
Surprisingly they did not fail at the gear base which is where I would have
expected.  Most of them failed along the strap where it is relieved to allow
for the screw thread.  The metal was very brittle and quickly snapped if you
flexed them.  I'm sure they are the original clamps applied at the factory
about 8 years ago.
Bruce
Somerset #671 SoCal 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Barry Fahrer
Sent: Friday, December 28, 2007 8:42 AM
To: C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] SS Clamp Failure

I am very surprised that your clamps failed.  How did they fail ?  I guess 
it is possible that the acid fumes from the battery could be causing a 
problem.
I have only seen some cheap hose clamps fail because the metal around the 
gear base couldn't withstand the tension.
You might want to talk to the manufacturer and find out if they
are warranted at all. BARRY --... ...--