Aligning plumbing fitttings

[sww914]

Originally Posted by HopCar

I understand why some boat builders use a ball valve and thru-hull instead of a real seacock. They are building to a price point.

Why do some of you folks use a ball valve instead of a seacock?

I haven't looked at the prices lately but it seems like it was about $30.00 vs $250.00 and 15-20 minutes vs a couple hours of installation.
If I had done everything on this boat with brand new ABYC recommended stuff, I would be one of the boats evacuating from Nelson Yachts last week. That's where I bought and refitted my boat. Instead we've been out cruising for almost 2 years.
All the boats that I've looked at and worked on, I've seen a grand total of ONE with proper seacocks. One.

[HopCar]

"I haven't looked at the prices lately but it seems like it was about $30.00 vs $250.00 ..."

The price diference isn't as great as you think. You can buy an 1-1/2" Groco Seacock for about $85 and a Groco Full Flow Ball Valve costs $63. That's only a $22 difference. The difference is even less on smaller seacocks. You can buy a 3/4" Groco seacock for $38 and a 3/4" ball valve for $21.
I guess you can buy cheaper ball valves but what are you getting?
Groco Full-Flow Flanged Ball-Type Seacocks FBV750-2000

"15-20 minutes vs a couple hours of installation."
The only difference in the install is that the seacock requires three screws or bolts.

[s/v Jedi]

It's a global market; if they cheat you with this gear (like they try here in Panama) then just order from US or wherever they offer for reasonable amounts.