I need to replace a couple seacocks on my 1981 CD30 cutter. While the Spartan tapered plug units look nice, nobody sees them anyway and the tapered plug design is prone to seizure. I understand that more modern designs employ a ball valve with Teflon and/or nylon. I'm looking for device on what made/model might prove it to the most durable and reliable. Thanks.
pete@zwiefelhofer.com
Replacement Seacocks
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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chuck yahrling
Re: Replacement Seacocks
If you search the archives on this board, you will fins many posts on the pros and cons for replacing the stock cocks with ball valves. When I bought my CD-27 I asked the surveyor about this, and his response included remarks about how the ABYC doesn't approve of run-of-the-mill ball valves. That might be an issue for your insurer.Pete Zwiefelhofer wrote: I need to replace a couple seacocks on my 1981 CD30 cutter. While the Spartan tapered plug units look nice, nobody sees them anyway and the tapered plug design is prone to seizure. I understand that more modern designs employ a ball valve with Teflon and/or nylon. I'm looking for device on what made/model might prove it to the most durable and reliable. Thanks.
The only approved type of ball valve has a flange close to the ball, thus minimizing the chance that the valve will snap off if you force it. Evidently there were some losses with the older-type screw-in ball valves.
Practical sailor did a piece last year about failures due to corrosion of the chromed ball; this occured on some units that were not manufactured to marine specs, but somehow got used on new boats.
Are you sure you can't salvage your existing valves? Mine were frozen and clogged with pine needles, but were pretty easy to take apart, clean and lube. I think keeping them will enhance the value of your boat, at least to a CD purist. And all you really need to do is open and close them once in a while; which is a pretty good idea regardless of which type they are.
yahrling@cybertours.com