Replaced ball valve with boat in the water. Success!

[Nani Kai]

I posted earlier about a thru hull fitting attached to a ball valve that failed when I attempted to close the valve. The stem had in fact broken loose from the ball, fortunately leaving it in the open position. I asked CFers for advice about replacing the thru hull fitting while the boat was in the water as it wasn't possible for me to haul at the time.

Many procedures were suggested. Because I was alone on the boat I was reluctant to attempt an in water replacement which would require me to plug the thru hull port from underwater, then come topside to attempt a repair/replacement. I decided to wait as no water was coming into the boat until I could haul out later.

Fortunately I met two neighbors in the marina who offered assistance. This is how we solved the problem.

I bought a Sta-Plug Mini from West Marine which one of the neighbors inserted into the thru hull under water. It worked great, much better than the wooden bung that we attempted to insert earlier. I then attempted to remove the entire broken ball valve but was unable to break it free from the thru hull fitting. So instead I removed the 90 degree barbed fitting from the top of the ball valve that had been attached to the raw water strainer hose. I replaced it with a close nipple and then attached a brand new bronze ball valve atop the old one, making sure that the ball in the old valve was completely open. Lastly I attached a straight barbed fitting to the end of the new ball valve and fitted the stainer hose onto it. Voila! Success! See attached photos.

This is a temporary fix until I haul out in November at which time I plan to replace all the thru hulls and their respective ball valves.

One problem remains however. The hose to the strainer has a slow drip, drip, drip from where it attaches to the new barbed fitting. I cut the hose with the proper tool, got a clean square edge, and used two properly sized SS hose clamps. No matter how lightly nor how strongly I adjust the clamps the leak will not stop. Very puzzling. Any suggestions?

Also, thanks to everyone for suggestions offered following my initial post.

[Bellinghamster]

Stick the end the hose in a cup of boiling hot water to soften it, then install and clamp. Also, perforated strip hose clamps don't work nearly as well as ABA or t-bolt hose clamps.

[George_SD]

I would at least try to re-seat it and maybe use some plumber's putty.

[Tillsbury]

Yes, definitely get rid of those awful hose clamps and get some proper marine ones, then tighten hard with a warmed hose.

[Nani Kai]

Originally Posted by Tillsbury

Yes, definitely get rid of those awful hose clamps and get some proper marine ones, then tighten hard with a warmed hose.

Bellinghamster and Tillsbury: thanks for the tip. Will replace the clamps as suggested. Because I was able to work the hose on by hand and it fit tightly I didn't consider warming it to make it more pliable. Didn't occur to me that after cooling in place on the fitting it would shrink and perhaps fit better. I'll heat it the next go around and see if it makes a difference.

[Nani Kai]

Originally Posted by George_SD

I would at least try to re-seat it and maybe use some plumber's putty.

Re-seated it a number of times. No difference. I'd rather fix it without plumbers putty or rescue tape if possible. I think of those as temporary fixes rather than a long term solution.

Thanks for responding.

[Cpt Mark]

Next haulout I'd get rid of those hoses. They are a PITA

[C420sailor]

Nice job! Make sure you do a proper fix at next haulout.

[Nani Kai]

Originally Posted by Cpt Mark

Next haulout I'd get rid of those hoses. They are a PITA

I agree. I bought these because they were same as the old original ones. What would you recommend?

[David B]

Nice job - and good to see a nice clean, cared for bilge area! Says something about the way you operate your boat .

[C420sailor]

Trident marine hose

[Nani Kai]

Originally Posted by David B

Nice job - and good to see a nice clean, cared for bilge area! Says something about the way you operate your boat .

Thank you David. What a kind thought. Aloha.

[Nani Kai]

Originally Posted by C420sailor

Trident marine hose

C420: Thanks for the tip. I re-plumbed the A/C raw water pump, strainer and through hull fitting as well as the electric head on the starboard side in March of this year with the type of hose you see in the pictures. What a PIA it is using it. I'll definitely look at Trident hose come November when we re-do all the thru hulls. Aloha.