Sea Cocks Option or Not? Pros vs Cons

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

The only reason to freak out over a thru-hull is if you are trying to install in while in the water.

I only freaked out the first time........learned real fast to have all the pieces laid out within arms reach.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Tellie

...and actually that's done all the time.

Just changed the valve on the engine intake and had the mechanics do it... I can tell you I was a nervous little kitten.

Had to be left overnight with a bung waiting for the correct valve replacement from Beneteau.

I didn't sleep too well!

Lol

[S/V Alchemy]

If you don't have an engine, you can dispense with a seacock. Drains and heads can be done via bucket...beyond the limit of "coastal" in your area.

Other methods include sea chests and standpipes. The standpipe is a hole in the boat that consolidates other holes. It is simpler and arguably less problematic than multiple seacocks, which sometimes have access problems. Where to put a standpipe can be, however, an issue.

Engines can be run with dry exhausts. Happens in every car and truck on the road. They are, however, noisier and hotter than raw (external source of sea water) or fresh (coolant in a heat-exchanger circuit) cooling, and you still have to run a radiator and a fan and a means of exchanging air volumes to the engine compartment.

So you have options. Just not very popular ones.