Should I replace this thru-hull??

FishFinder · #1 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009

I was planning on replacing some of my thru-hulls, wasn't going to do this one originally but now I'm wondering if it too should be replaced? It looks ok to me on the inside but the outside looks scary ... never done this before so I don't know what is normal. Thanks.

badsanta · #2 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009

Is it rough because of pitting or is it from the paint? But if the others are bad and this is the same age I would do them all.

FishFinder · #3 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009

It does seem to have been painted (are these bronze thru-hulls supposed to be painted?) but I don't know what the metal is like under the paint.

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009

Remove the paint and get the through-hull nice and shiny, and if you see spots that are pinkish compared to the rest, it has started to dezincify, and needs to be replaced. If that is the case, then you should replace all of the through-hulls as likely they're much the same age and probably in pretty similar condition. Here is a photo by Maine Sail that clearly shows the difference....

sww914 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009

Great answer and a great picture.

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009

Thanks... glad to help... but gotta give Maine Sail the cred for the photo...

swiped it from his projects site.