Cleaning or Replacing Brass Fittings

[LTshaw]

I'd been planning on replacing all of the brass fittings throughout the boat as they all showed different signs of what looked to me like corrosion; green, white and brown material. I also have no idea how old they are.

Then I noticed some threads suggesting cleaning as an option. I realize every case is different, but maybe some of what I'm interpreting as corrosion is actually normal.

Here's an image from the galley fittings: https://imgur.com/a/FjJ0rUE

What do you all think? Replace or should I be manually cleaning?

[Pandor]

That looks like bronze to me. It is worth cleaning.

You will be throwing out a lot of valuable metal if you replace everything when it turns green. Green bronze is normal and healthy.

[rwidman]

OK, that is "bronze", not brass. Brass should never be used in contact with seawater, especially saltwater. Brass is OK for your potable water system only.

What you photo shows is minor surface damage from seawater seepage (a minor leak). You can clean that off with a wire brush (something other than steel).

Vinegar or similar liquids might clean it up a bit.

You don't need to replace the fittings at this point.

[Shrew]

There is no need to remove the patina from Bronze. It is natural oxidation, however unlike rust or corrosion is not adversely impacting the Bronze.

You can remove it with a light acid, but it will only come back. There is enough work done on a boat. That one is not necessary.

i'd be more interested in that white corrugated hose. That doesn't look like a hose that would normally be used on a seacock under the water line.

[boatpoker]

That is verdigris (carbonates and/or oxides). While technically "corrosion" it will not harm the bronze in your (or your kids) lifetimes. Clean it and move on.

[Calif.Ted]

That's a Beneteau isn't it ?
A friend recently sold their '06 and the buyers surveyor claimed thru hulls needed immediate replacement or boat was unsafe. They got an allowance on closing for replacement but promptly moved boat 100 miles up coast, so they weren't TOO dangerous for that. Beneteau issued a statement that they met all standards and it's all boiled down to the point where nobody really knows. The attached runs thru the story.
https://www.practical-sailor.com/boa...-seacock-query

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by Shrew

i'd be more interested in that white corrugated hose. That doesn't look like a hose that would normally be used on a seacock under the water line.

Agree, it looks like what we'd see on old Tiawan boats.
They screw the "cuff" onto the hose and the whole works were pushed on to the fitting with 5200.
That needs to go.
The same with that clear hose with the wire in it.
Is it metric hose > SAE fitting, or SAE hose > metric fitting?
Whatever, get rid of the wire hose, it's quite resistant to compression by hose clamps, connection doesn't look good.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Calif.Ted

That's a Beneteau isn't it ?
A friend recently sold their '06 and the buyers surveyor claimed thru hulls needed immediate replacement or boat was unsafe. They got an allowance on closing for replacement but promptly moved boat 100 miles up coast, so they weren't TOO dangerous for that. Beneteau issued a statement that they met all standards and it's all boiled down to the point where nobody really knows. The attached runs thru the story.
https://www.practical-sailor.com/boa...-seacock-query

That is a very good catch ... I only looked at the fittings (yet to have my coffee), I did not notice the typical Beneteau/Euro plated brass ball valve.

If you have such a ball valve, concern is warranted. If you go to the bottom of this article there are two links to Paul Stevens articles that are well worth reading on this issue.
Stoopid Tricks By Boat Builders

[LTshaw]

Yes, it's a 2009 Beneteau Oceanis, good eyes.

Ok, so I'm clear on understanding what the oxidation is I'm seeing. I'll get a brush and do some cleaning this weekend. Thank you, y'all!

As for the white pipe, that comes from the sink drain. I'll check SVB or the local chandlery here is Sibenik for a replacement.

The clear metal reinforced pipe, those are actually also used in the forward and aft heads. They never strike me as problematic since I see that kind of piping sold at lots of chandeliers here. Any suggestions on what I should be replacing it with?

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by LTshaw

Any suggestions on what I should be replacing it with?

Just about any high quality automotive "heater/coolant hose" will work well.
Where I am I just go to a local NAPA and get hose made by "Gates".
Any Parker or Aeroquip store will have more types than I could list.
Something that's neoprene/rubber, with a woven fabric reinforcement between inner/outer plies.