Sea **** handle

drynoc · #1 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

The handle on the raw water sea **** on my boat is vertical when it is open, but lately the vibration of the boat in motion is causing that handle to fall ever so slightly. It hasn't happened enough to shut the valve, but I'm concerned about it getting worse. Otherwise the sea **** is fine - no leaks or any other problems. Any suggestions?

Artwerke · #2 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

On some sea cocks you can tighten the nut on the other side of the valve from the handle to increase friction. Art.

Sapperwhite · #3 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

If tightening the nut doesn't work, you could tie a little keeper line around the handle to keep it in the open position, BUT you need to use very light line that can be easily cut or broken if disaster strikes and you need close the valve in a hurry.

donradclife · #4 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

If your handle is falling over on its own, you need to check whether the valve is working at all. I installed a new set of ball valves 2 years ago, and found out that one of them has failed internally--the handle and the shaft it is on no longer turns the ball, which is stuck half-open.

CapnHand · #5 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sapperwhite

If tightening the nut doesn't work, you could tie a little keeper line around the handle to keep it in the open position, BUT you need to use very light line that can be easily cut or broken if disaster strikes and you need close the valve in a hurry.

Shock cord (bungee) might work well in this instance for a temporary fix. Replace the valve at the next opportunity. Not a good idea to leave a lot of temporary fixes on a boat, especially below the water line.

Sapperwhite · #6 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapnHand

Shock cord (bungee) might work well in this instance for a temporary fix. Replace the valve at the next opportunity. Not a good idea to leave a lot of temporary fixes on a boat, especially below the water line.

Right, but I don't know that I would do a mid-season haul for this one thing.

CapnHand · #7 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sapperwhite

Right, but I don't know that I would do a mid-season haul for this one thing.

Yes, and swapping it out while the boat is in the water would be ill advised, so his next haul out would be the next opportunity.

drynoc · #8 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

Thanks for the help. Next time I'm at the boat, I'll start the engine without opening the valve to see if it is working properly. Then I'll try tightening that nut to see if that will tighten the handle. I'm going to haul this winter anyway, and I plan to replace it then. But I plan to do a lot of sailing between now and then.