[C320-list] 'Sticky' Through-Hull Valves

[Jack Brennan]

Through hull debates are like anchor debates. No right or wrong. Just opinions.

After many years of having "bronze" through hulls, I was happy to have Marelon on my 320.

Groco and others actually make red brass fittings, with 5 percent zinc and 5 percent tin. It's a good alloy for seawater.

However, I had several handles of mild steel break off. I also had a couple that didn't shut properly, especially those with the old cone-shaped fittings.

Don't bond them electrically. You don't want them acting as spare zincs.

My only problem with Marelon has been that they occasionally clog. That was really fun when it happened on the head through hull.

The only solution is to remove the hose and use a plumbing tool to clear it, then don gloves for the messy clean up.

I've never lubed them, although that would be a good idea. I do exercise them regularly.

Marelon itself is virtually indestructible. People have taken hammers to the fittings with no result.

If the fitting won't close, an emergency fix is to fit a hose that reaches above the waterline, then cap it for good measure.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.





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-------- Original message --------
From: Bob Borelli via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Date: 4/29/24 12:46 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com, Tony Kalish via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>, C320-List at Catalina320.com
Cc: Bob Borelli <cassattc22 at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] 'Sticky' Through-Hull Valves

I used the Forespar MareLube Reach to lube the sea valves from outside of the underwater hull while hauled for winter stoarge.
And it seemed to ease up the opening & closing of the seavalves this season after back in the water.

I also had removed the hoses on all sea valves, dried out them trying to vacuum but more success rolling blue shop towels up, stuffing down into the top of the valves, removing, repeating until dry, then apply MareLube.

Every time onboard I open the valves & close when I leave in order to exercise them.

Bob  C320 209  Sassafras River MD
________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Dave Hupe via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, April 29, 2024 12:17 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com <C320-List at Catalina320.com>; Tony Kalish via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>; C320-list at catalina320.com <C320-list at catalina320.com>
Cc: Dave Hupe <hoopdtwo at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] 'Sticky' Through-Hull Valves

Forespar says "Marelon valves are non-corrosive, but like any moving part in a marine environment, they require regular use, inspection, and lubrication. Do not fail to actuate the handle regularly and lubricate the seals at least once a year or more. Use any-non petroleum based grease and avoid any aerosols as the carriers used may damage the valves. Never use a penetrating lubricant like WD-40! To lube, close the valve, remove the hose, remove any standing water (as much as possible), and use a soda straw or other flexible, throw-away device to swab the ball through the tailpipe or elbow. Replace the hose (check for worm or rusty hose clamps and replace if necessary), then activate the handle to draw the lubricant around the seals. When the boat is hauled, this can be done through the thru-hull easily. The best maintenance is regular use. Any valve, regardless of material will seize if left in a boat in the water unmoved for any length of time. Marine growth alone will build up and clog the valve rendering it inoperable".
I swab the closed valve balls with silicone grease containing teflon from beneath through the thru-hull fittings every time my boat is hauled and then exercise the valves. Even with this my valves also are tight. I have replaced and rebuilt several valves with kits available from Forespar. I was amazed what good shape the original valves were in once disassembled.
You might try loosening VERY VERY SLIGHTLY the 4 philip head screws visible on the top plate just beneath the handle. While rebuilding mine, I noted how significant these screws impact the mechanism.  However, if you do this, monitor very closely if seepage develops around the body of the valve.
Dave Hupe
1994 C320 #32
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

  On Mon, Apr 29, 2024 at 11:34 AM, Tony Kalish via C320-list<c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:   I have the Marelon through-hull valves on my 1999 Catalina 320.  I try
every year to lube and exercise the valves but they still bind and are
'sticky'...they don't open/close smoothly.  I've been using the Marelube to
help keep them working, but doesn't seem to be working.  Any suggestions?
Anyone else have similar issues?