Testing Thru-Hulls

[Captin_Kirk]

This may be a silly question, but is there a way to test a through hull fitting.

The reason I ask is this. I bought an older boat that has been out of the water for 3 years. I am doing a bunch o f repairs on it, like refinishing and rebeding the deck and wondered if there was a way to test the through hulls to make sure they are not going to leak. They all look ok to me, but I would hate to get it in the water and find that they are leaking and have to pay to get the boat pulled again right away.

I s this something that fails allot? Or am I being overly cautious.

[Randy]

You could hook a hose up on the inside for a test with the valve closed. Are they freshly or at least well bedded?

[tager]

I would rebed them while you have them out. Then you will know that they are not suspect. Also, minimize. Most sinkings happen at the dock, and they usually have to do with through hulls.

[Chief Engineer]

Remove/Rebed/Re-install

Believe me....you WILL sleep better.

[s/v Jedi]

I would even consider to replace them with new ones instead of cleaning and inspecting the old ones. These fittings are too cheap to spend a lot of time and solvents on for cleaning.

If they all look good (no pink color or blush to the bronze, no pitting etc) you can also launch but ask them to keep a little weight in the slings and inspect every one for leaks before removing the slings.

cheers,
Nick.

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by Chief Engineer

Remove/Rebed/Re-install Buy new/install

Believe me....you WILL sleep better.

With all the other work being done this is cheap peace of mind.

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

I would even consider to replace them with new ones instead of cleaning and inspecting the old ones. These fittings are too cheap to spend a lot of time and solvents on for cleaning.

If they all look good (no pink color or blush to the bronze, no pitting etc) you can also launch but ask them to keep a little weight in the slings and inspect every one for leaks before removing the slings.

cheers,
Nick.

If they don't leak in the slings you will always wonder.

If they do leak in the slings your launch day is ruined.

(BTW - In all likelihood, they won't leak)

Replace them and you don't have to think about them for 10 years at least.

[cat man do]

Fiberglass boat..go solid glass tube and make it part of the boat
Metal boat.. weld one in.

Thats my thoughts anyway

[doslocos]

Islander MK II, same boat that I had. If you still have a gate valve under the sink then they are original and you should by all means replace every one of them. If they are ball valves then look at the engine intake valve. It is the small one in your lazarette. If there is any green on it replace all. Every one is right. These are a cheep piece of mind. I always found that the answer to any question I asked was YES. If you are asking if they are safe the answer is probably not. Should I replace, yes. All your thru-hulls should be silicon bronze. Replace with like item. Don't put plastic or PVC anywhere where it will be within 1' of the water line. As for testing the metal you can ping them but I never trusted in that. Have fun, Good boat. If you still have a gas motor replace it with a Yanmar 2 GM20. Will serve you well.

[Captin_Kirk]

Thanks guys. I was kinda expecting that answer. I will look into replacing. Man I have allot of projects to finish up before my may 1st launch.

[pressuredrop]

Originally Posted by doslocos

If there is any green on it replace all. .

if we are talking about bronze here, it is my understanding that there is nothing wrong with green (other then it doesnt look good) it is actually a natural protective coating. the advice i was given, Green = good, pink = BAD