BV or FBV Seacocks ?

[Ziggy]

While replacing by ball valves with flanged seacocks I discovered that in one of the locations the valve handle is blocked by a bulkhead if the drain plug is oriented downward. Groco seacocks have reversible handle rotations and two drain valves mounted on opposite sides, allowing many installation options--good! But they make two lines of seacocks: FBV, chromed brass ball and stem (bad?); and BV, stainless steel ball and stem (not so good?) at almost three times the cost. Both BV and FBV series are Marine UL listed.
What are the advantages of the BV series that would justify the much higher cost?

[gettinthere]

Neither. Look at the IBVF system. 2 parts instead of 3.
A thru hull, a flanged adapter and a ball valve.
Page 10 of the pdf catalog.

[Ziggy]

I'm familiar with the IBVF system. The IBV valve is essentially identical to the FBV flanged seacock (i.e., brass ball). The 3-part IBVF set up is taller overall and so requires more space than FBV. Are you saying that there's no benefit to the more expensive BV valves?

[gettinthere]

Sorry, I can't comment on the BV, no knowledge. Groco is very helpful with tech support.

I had very low clearance with a thru hull under the floorboards. I used a 90 degree elbow to lay the valve on its side.