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

[Troy Dunn]

Tony

We keep our boat in Rock Hall.   Only slightly salty there compared to the
ocean, but still a barnacle fiesta at times.   If you are having trouble
with a particular thru hull it could be that you have marine growth inside
the ball, as someone else noted this can be difficult to remove when the
boat is in the water, but it is doable if it's actually barnacles or other
hard/calciferous  marine growth.   You can test this theorey by pushing a
small rod or wire up into the open valve from the outside…if it doesnt
slide smoothly you may have growth.     The little white cap on the side of
your handle is a plug, you can tie a string to it so you don’t lose it and
insert it into the thru hull from the bottom of the boat.   Now you can
safely remove hoses and prod around from the top side with the valve closed
and/or open.   If you think you have hard growth, put a small section of
hose back on then slowly pour some barnacle buster into the valve.

Good luck.


Troy