leaving valves open

[evecircleM]

Just wondering if it is ok to leave the valves open at the dock. The valves for the galley and head are really hard to close. Does anyone know it it is safe to leave them open?

[mikehoyt]

If no one is on board leave your boat unlocked as well. That way someone can close the valves if the boat starts to settle. If the boat is locked then close the valves.

I leave my valves open when I am aboard or gone for 1/2 hour. When I close up and leave the boat at the end of the weekend I close the valves.

If the valves are difficult to close because they are stiff, etc... you might consider replacing them.

A boat sank at the finger pier in our marina because his head valves were left open. It was a C&C Redwing 30 which has the head located below the waterline.

Regards,

mike

[joshuaheard]

Close the thru-hull valves when you leave the boat for an extended period. I close mine for overnight or longer. If the valves are stiff, rebuild them. There may be an article on this web site, or another sailing web site, on how to rebuild your thru-hulls. You will have to haul the boat out of the water so you may wait until your next bottom paint to do the project.

[tappers]

If your valves are really hard to open and close you need to overhaul them. I did mine last week. It didn''t take long - I was able to fix the problem between tides while tied uo to piles in the harbour.

Tappers

[lgsailor52]

Why gamble? The valves are there to protect your investment. If they are difficult to close, replace them.

[hamiam]

Good seamanship dictates that you should close your SEACOCKS whenever you are not on the boat.

[evecircleM]

Thanks so much for the info. Had a feeling you should shut them.

[hamiam]

Just make sure if you have an inboard engine that you open the raw water seacock before starting it. Good luck.