Replacing Spartan seacocks ..

[Russell]

(1) Can one (should one) replace a seacock without replacing the corresponding thru-hull? Naively, I see no reason to replace the thru-hull. (2) Does anyone know what sealant Cape Dory used for these installations in 1980? Was it 5200? Will I be able to get the seacock off without destroying the backing block?

[Bill C.]

Last year I needed to replace a Spartan seacock. I called the company for a quote and, after recovering my ability to breathe, decided that the price for authenticity was too steep. I went to Hamilton Marine instead and bought a good, bronze, non-Spartan seacock. I simply rebedded the old through-hull with bedding compound and screwed in the new seacock. The whole assembly works like a charm!

Good luck!



coogan@usm.maine.edu

[Russell]

"I called the company for a quote and, after recovering my ability to breathe, .."

I guess I better find out how much they cost!

"I simply rebedded the old through-hull with bedding compound and screwed in the new seacock. The whole assembly works like a charm!"

Why did you have to rebed the through-hull? It looked to me as if I could unbolt the seacock, pry it from the backing plate, and then rebed the new one. What am I missing? (Probably a lot, never having done this. I want to be forewarned.)

[Craig]

I am in the process of removing all of the seacocks on my 1984 CD30, to rebed them. No problems with seacocks yet, and want to keep it that way.

I have two more to go. Hopefully this weekend. Mine are not bedded with 5200, thank god. I appears to be a polysulfide, like lifecaulk.

There is a special tool to that fits inside the thru-hull to facilitate turning/removal. Your marina may have one, which you can borough. I purchased a spud wrench from a plumbing supply house (about $12) that does the same thing.

(1) Can one (should one) replace a seacock without replacing the corresponding thru-hull? Naively, I see no reason to replace the thru-hull. (2) Does anyone know what sealant Cape Dory used for these installations in 1980? Was it 5200? Will I be able to get the seacock off without destroying the backing block?

[Jeff Barnes]

"I called the company for a quote and, after recovering my ability to breathe, .."

I guess I better find out how much they cost!

"I simply rebedded the old through-hull with bedding compound and screwed in the new seacock. The whole assembly works like a charm!"

Why did you have to rebed the through-hull? It looked to me as if I could unbolt the seacock, pry it from the backing plate, and then rebed the new one. What am I missing? (Probably a lot, never having done this. I want to be forewarned.)

Russell:

I believe Spartan seacocks have a female threaded base, thus requiring you to remove (unscrew) the thru-hull fitting prior to removing the seacock.
Spartan seacocks range in price from $80 to $115 (not including thru hulls), depending on the size.

Regards,
Jeff Barnes
"Jazman" CD36

[Richard]

It would be safer to rebed the thru hull. Even the slightest movement in the fitting may break the seal and when you get in the water you will find that you have a leak. Then you have to haul out again etc. Better to do it right the first time and be sure.



Aldajon@aol.com