Changing a below the water line ball valve in while in the water

[landonshaw]

HAs anyone changed a below the water line ball valve while still in the water? I have changed the depth gauge transducer while in the water. All went well.

Here are my thoughts:
1.) Before I start make sure I can loosen the valve from the thru hall threaded connector. Make sure it will turn and not turn the thru hall.

2.) Have one person in the water with a toilet plunger and a plastic stop, both will plug the hole. I used the toilet plunger on the transducer and only got a half a cup of water into the boat.

3.) Plug the hole securely.

4.) Have a person on deck to relay anything from the person in the water or to that person.

5.) have a person at the steps going below deck.

6.) I will be in the head and will yell when I will start and tap on the hull.

7.) Take the old valve off and put on the new one.

I will also have another plug, wooded and a hammer, on the inside in case I need to plug the hole.

Thoughts?

[pjShap]

Forespar makes a nice foam plug. https://www.forespar.com/products/sta-plug.shtml Maybe inserting that from the outside would seal nicely and reliably?

[landonshaw]

Yes, our marine store has one and I was going to use it as the primary stopper. The toilet plunger is a back up.

I will also attach the plug and plunger to a rope and the a float just incase they are dropped. Probably will not sink, but want to be sure they could be located fast if need to.

Thanks for the reply!