Has any one had to replace any of the series of 4 thru hull fittings located mid ship at the head? The sun has ruined my to the point I broke 2 with a scrub brush. I will replace with bronze. It appears to me I have to pull the fridge and the A/C, but even then I don't what kind of catorsionist it takes to work on them.
Beleieve it or not, these are typically in areas that are easier to access than you might think. I had to replace the cleats and was concerned about the midship cleat. I pulled the medicine cabinet and voila CLEAT! Don't worry about it. You might wan to pull some drawers first and see if you can see it to determine if you need to pull the fridge. Chances are very good you will unless you can fit thorugh a drawer opening. If not, pull the fridge and you will most likley be able to see it. I believe that bronze will have to be tied into the bonding system. My through hull seacocks are. There are two materials to use for the thorughulls Nylon and Marelon. The marelon should be fine.
Keep this in mind. In 2 went, then they ALL need to be replaced. This is the only thing holding the seawater out. If one breaks, what you have is a hose sticking through an open hole in the hull. This will sink a boat very quickly.
All through hull discharges are above the waterline. However an ingress of water through wave action will weight the boat down until they are no longer above the water. Then the entire boat is no longer above water. It's actually a common reason for boat sinking. When they say that most boats that sink, sink at the dock, it's not just failed hoses, seacocks and bellows. It's goofy stuff like this and blocked scuppers too.
Pulled the fridge and the thru hulls were located level with the top of the A/C. (3 were 3/4" and 1 was 5/8") Able to replace all 4 rather easily. Found the condenser fan termination connector on the fridge shot and the wires off, they were only 22 gauge and easy to fix also. I also found the shower/head faucet line twisted into a figure 8 as it would only pull out about a foot before.
Starboard side thru hulls
I will be pulling the fridge tomorrow. Thanks
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