Seacocks for above the waterline?

[Saltyhog]

Is it ever a good idea to have seacocks on thruhulls that are above the waterline? I'm thinking of things like the chain-locker drains and the air-conditioning outlet. I'm not sure if it would be prudent to be able to close these for off-shore passages, or just a waste of bronze.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Saltyhog

Is it ever a good idea to have seacocks on thruhulls that are above the waterline? I'm thinking of things like the chain-locker drains and the air-conditioning outlet. I'm not sure if it would be prudent to be able to close these for off-shore passages, or just a waste of bronze.

A very good question. Mine haven't worked in4 years. Once in a while I think about replacing them.

[Cheechako]

I think there would certainly be nothing wrong with it. Always a good idea to be able to shut off the influx of water, offshore above the waterline openings often are below!

[Saltyhog]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

A very good question. Mine haven't worked in4 years. Once in a while I think about replacing them.

Did the boat come that way from the factory, or were they (above waterline seacocks) added at some point. The reason I ask is that if Moody saw fit to add them, they'd likely have a good reason. Builders generally don't add cost needlessly.

[svmariane]

Originally Posted by Saltyhog

Is it ever a good idea to have seacocks on thruhulls that are above the waterline? I'm thinking of things like the chain-locker drains and the air-conditioning outlet. I'm not sure if it would be prudent to be able to close these for off-shore passages, or just a waste of bronze.

Does the boat sometimes heel when underway, putting those outlets below the waterline? If they could spend hours, or even days, in that position then what, really, differentiates them from, say, the motor cooling water intake?

Probability of failure: low. Costs of failure: med to high.

Usually, tacking would get the failed point back above the waterline. But stuff happens, usually at inopportune moments. Worst case: clawing off a lee shore and a lee-side through hull scrapes a rock.

Just my thoughts...

James

[rebel heart]

I've put cheaper plastic valves on the well-above-the-waterline fittings. My holding tank vent is maybe 1' under the deck level, so it's conceivable that it will be under the water sometimes when heeled. If water goes in it just drains out: the holding tank is gravity draining and any conditions where water is coming in would clearly be fine for discharging overboard.

Kind of depends on what it is. Another problem with sea cocks is they're not small.

[Saltyhog]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

I've put cheaper plastic valves on the well-above-the-waterline fittings. My holding tank vent is maybe 1' under the deck level, so it's conceivable that it will be under the water sometimes when heeled. If water goes in it just drains out: the holding tank is gravity draining and any conditions where water is coming in would clearly be fine for discharging overboard.

Kind of depends on what it is. Another problem with sea cocks is they're not small.

I had not even thought about the holding tank vent. Mine is pretty high on the hull, but I suppose it *could* fill the tank. Hmmm....

[Matt sachs]

I have them. They are 4 feet above the water line, a foot below the gunnel. I suspect i will never need to close them but if i do, they are in place.

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by Saltyhog

I had not even thought about the holding tank vent. Mine is pretty high on the hull, but I suppose it *could* fill the tank. Hmmm....

Just make sure your tank drains gravity style and no big deal.