Part 3: Periodic Inspection

By Capt. Ken Kreisler — April 2003

More of this Feature • Part 1: Hull Care • Part 2: Hull Care • Part 3: Hull Care
Related Resources • Maintenance Index

Periodic Inspection in the Water
Once a month inspect each through-hull and seacock to make sure all fittings are tight. Don’t ignore the possibility that impact with a piling or a floating object may cause something to loosen up. Be on the lookout for corrosion or stains that could indicate a slow leak or a leak that occurs only while underway.

The best preventive maintenance for seacocks, both plastic and metal, is to periodically open and close each valve. Leaving a valve in one position for an extended period of time can allow it to freeze up. Manufacturers’ guidelines may differ slightly, but the consensus is that the handle of each seacock should be moved throughout the full open/close path every few weeks, or at least once every 30 days, more frequently if possible. One school of thought advocates closing all seacocks each time the boat is left unattended. If you follow this diligent strategy, be just as methodical coming back aboard, especially to make sure valves on the raw-water intakes are open before starting the engines. Consider hanging a placard on the ignition switch(es) as a reminder.

If a seacock won’t operate freely, disassemble and lubricate it. To lubricate seacocks while a boat is in the water, use the following procedure:

1. close the valve
2. remove the hose or tubing from the inboard side
3. remove any remaining water from inside of valve
4. swab waterproof grease on the inside of valve mechanism
5. reattach the hose or tubing, checking clamps or fittings
6. activate the valve several times to spread the grease.

When the boat is hauled, perform steps four to six from outside the hull to lubricate the opposite side of the valve mechanism. Use winch, wheel bearing, or water pump grease. Avoid lithium or other metal-based greases, which may cause galvanic corrosion.

If a seacock is completely frozen, it’s best to haul the boat before attempting repair or replacement. If that’s not possible, then temporarily plug or seal the penetration from outside the hull before attempting repair. Don’t be like the guy who sank his boat at the dock while battling a stubborn seacock. The handle wouldn’t turn, so he put a 20-inch Stilson wrench on the valve stem for leverage and proceeded to rip the entire valve off of the through-hull fitting.

Out of sight and easily overlooked, neglected seacocks and through-hulls can cause untold grief. But with regular checks and minimal care, they’ll provide years of reliable service.

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