good location for seacocks?

[adieu]

Hi, I''m reinstalling a head that the former owner removed to install a double berth. The old seacock holes were also glassed over.

I have an idea where I want to put the new holes, but would like opinions. I''ve posted pix and descriptions at http://www.adieu.nu/head.htm

Can seacocks be too far forward? Any problems I might encounter? Is it possible to determine the thickness of glass without drilling?

Any thoughts appreciated.

Jim Burgoyne, s/v Quiver, Phuket, Thailand

[fer@fer]

Hi adieu

I agree with your proposal of enlarging the access to the seacocks. They shoud be pretty handy and with a foolproof access.

One of the major concerns with seacoks in heavy seas, is the water hammer. That is the main reason why they should be closed while sailing. Actually the ideal situation when a mate goes to the toilette is: First open the door, 2 open the seacock 3 close the door. When he''s done, Close the seacock, open the door.

I have no idea on measuring hull thickness.

Regards

[DelmarRey]

Hi Adieu,
On a sailing vessel for the head you would want the seacock somewhere close but off center of the keel wood. So when the s/v heels over you still have water to the seacock. If it''s going forward just make sure it stays below the waterline. On a larger s/v there''s not much of a problem. On smaller s/v''s that come out of the water on a typical 2'' wave you''ll want to keep the seacock closed as the other reply-er stated.
Looking at the pic''s I would attempt to put the thru hull as far back and as low as one could get it and still have good access to it. You''ll only need one! And only the size of the inlet of your head is needed unless you plan to attach other items to it.
As for the thickness of the hull, I wouldn''t think it would be more than an inch with that hull design. One thing though. When you do drill the hole don''t forget to seal the core of the hull with epoxy before installing the thru hull fitting.
have fun ...........Del

[GordMay]

Beautiful vessel!
I believe she will have a Solid FRG hull, rather than a Cored hull (below waterline).
If SOLID:
After drilling out a hole about 1/16"-1/8" larger than the Thru-Hull outer diameter; seal the exposed edges of the hole with unthickened epoxy, allow to set-up (24Hrs), wash amine blush off, then overcoat with thickened epoxy.
Dry-fit the Thru-hull (should be snug).
Prepare & install a backing plate for the inside of the hull.
Install Thru-hull with copius polyurethane sealant (5200 etc).
If CORED:
After drilling hole - gouge out interior core material to a diameter greater than the footprint of the Thru-hull flange. This to carry the compressive load of the fitting nut, and to assure bonding of outer-inner skins through core.
Seal edges - then fill cavity with thickened epoxy.
Continue as above.

If these rudimentary instructions are unclear to you - you''ll probably want some on-site assistance & advice.

Good luck.
Gord

[adieu]

Thanks to all for the advice. It is solid glass.

DelmarRey, I don''t understand the statement that I will only need one seacock. I''ve only ever seen one for intake, another for waste, and hopefully the intake is always ahead and not too close to the waste.

Cheers, Jim