Replacing Through Hulls

[CapBob]

Got a call from a buddy about a problem he had with his boat late this fall almost losing it, and deceided it would be a good topic.

My buddy has a 26' Grady and almost lost her this fall, one of the plastic through hulls cracked (with age) and started a leak....three things saved him, 1. 2 bildge pumps, 2. good batteries, 3 he checks the boat everyday.

I had learned a long time ago from someone much smarter than myself to replace, no matter if the boat is new or used the plastic through Hulls with SS ones. I have done this religiously with every boat I have owned with them.

It does not cost a lot, can be a pain for us big guys with large hands/arms and cannot contort as we once did, but well worth the piece of mind.

Just thought I would throw this out there for all to consider before the boat gets wet in the spring.

Almost forgot, seal with 5200!!!!!!!!!!

[Hotrod]

Boat Us Claims these to be the Number#1 reason for  sunken boats at the dock

[ped579]

The couple of boats I had all either had or I replaced with SS thru hulls.

I would not trust plastic of any kind no matter what they say.

Good advice Capt.

Paul

[TurboDan]

Almost forgot, seal with 5200!!!!!!!!!!

If the Berlin Wall was sealed with 5200, we'd still be fighting the Cold War.  That stuff is insane!

[Luna Sea 5]

good topic.  I don't know much about it though..

[IrishAyes]

Even a plastic fitting not under the water line but close to it should be replaced. As you load the boat with gear and people the water line goes down, therefore, putting that 'almost' in the water line fitting in the danger zone if it is a leaker.

Replace them all with metal fittings and goop up good with 5200 as was mentioned before.

[PeggyLee]

Guy I know down in Delaware Marina almost lost a 42 footer with OLD thru hulls that went bad and leaked.Had to haul out and replace them all; because his insurance company would not cover the boat any longer if he did not change em out.He and a helper broke their back and he is glad it is done.I quess what they say is true "any thing worth having is worth taking care of"

[Reckless]

  Lost on this topic. Can someone explain more or possibly pictures?

Thanks All
Frank

[mboy]

My boat had a recall on them couple years ago and believe they were replaced, but now will have to think about replacing with SS.

[IrishAyes]

Frank, here is an article from Boat US that many shed some light on this subject for you. 

Although plastic fitting cause the most problems don't neglect checking the metal ones.  They do corrode/crack and can suffer from electrolysis. 

http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/sinking/

[ped579]

Think Zink...

[Reckless]

  Thanks for the response. Some of these look like they might be pretty difficult to get at.

Frank

[wb]

Yeah you need 3 elbows to get to some-- the access is notsogood. Also way easier w/ 2 people and boat on land...I got a few to change before launch this spring one broke clean off but miraculously did not leak...mboy I could mebbe use some help hint hint

[mboy]

No problem brotha!

[mboy]

Just got off the phone w/ rep from Sea Boss (Sea Pro really). He told me what to look for to make sure the recall was done and I was able to tell by looking at one of the pics of my boat. 1 other thing to check in spring,l but I am fairly certain it is all done. I also can tel by my pics the they are all SS, so I have nothing to worry about (and 1 less thing to do to my boat this spring

Boat is 2003, so figure the SS thru hulls were done in 2003-2004 the earliest, so they should still be fine!

[relentless J]

just pulled all mine this past weekend and i dont even think 3 elbows is enough. maybe 3 elbows, arms twice as long as they are now and tiny hands with the strength of a robot.

[wb]

sounds like fun can't wait

maybe just take up the deck on ol bessie
check the tanks for corrosion
bilge pump wiring
etc
etc
break out another thou$$

[Reckless]

 How can you tell if they are bad? Mine are stainless on the outside cant see much more than that.

Thanks

[IrishAyes]

Check for discoloration and stains.  These are usually tell tale signs of a problem.  Of course, any flaking of the thru hull would be bad too.

Most problems with thru hull fitting are from the plastic ones.  These deteriorate from the ultra violet rays of the sun.  The problems with the metal ones are corrosion and galvanic actions.  The galvanic action occurs when you have dissimilar metals.


http://www.marineplus-online.com/boatyard/fittings.cfm