Thru hull extension handles??

[Michael Jones]

A lot of my thru hulls are inconvenient to access and I wonder if there are extension handles available or if anyone has rigged up something that allows you to open and close them with out reaching way down in a locker? For example there are three in a cabinet under the sink that I wish I had an extension handle for right inside the cabinet door rather than having to squat, reach in, feel for the handle and then find the next one. It's not that I have personal stuff in the way-I don't. It's just that they happen to be mounted towards the back of the cabinet amongst the various hoses and cabling that passes through this area. If I had to reach them in an emergency it would not be a problem. But it is a nuisance every time I come on the boat for the weekend to go through and open everything up and then go back through the routine when I leave. There must be some kind of extension available out there.

[delmarrey]

I haven't seen anything for sale. But it would be wise to set yourself up with something on each location. Depending on the position of the handle, a crows foot (a rod with a two fingered fork on the end) is the most common tool used. Handle lengths are optional.

As well, you should be able to see each thruhull fitting where it passes thru just to keep an eye on leaks and done on a regular schedule. Out of sight, out of mine gets more people a headache then one wants.

[GordMay]

Search “ ball valve stem extension “, and “ valve key “

[Michael Jones]

Thanks Delmarry and Gord! I will check into that. Also, what about a push/pull cable? Seen or tried that?
Mike

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by Michael Jones

Also, what about a push/pull cable? Seen or tried that?
Mike

What ever works. Just consider the corrosion factor............_/)

[Michael Jones]

It shouldn't be a problem finding one made for the marine industry and I would still need to deal with dissimilar metals but that should be a minor problem as well. However, I could easily spend a few full days rigging and installing something on all the inconvenient valves. It would take a long time to recoup that in convenience!

[David M]

On a USCG inspected vessel we had cables that went below deck that attached to the fuel handles that shut down the fuel valves. It was good enough for the Coasties.

It's really not a bad thing for yachts either...a remote fuel shut down at the tank manifold.