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

[Tony Kalish]

Hi Troy, thanks for your information.  I'm on the hard right now (Oak
Harbor Marina, Pasadena) and I totally understand the Chesapeake water (?)
issues...I'm heading to the boat today and will check out my thru-hull
valves.  Actually have the same 'sticky/binding issue with all of the
valves.  One thought is that the o-rings in the handle part might be
getting old (25 yrs) and may need to be replaced.  Apparently there is an
o-ring repair kit from Forespar--looking to see if available in Annapolis
somewhere--

thanks, Tony

On Mon, Apr 29, 2024 at 8:13 PM Troy Dunn via C320-list <
c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

> 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
>