Let's be inventive

[deniseO30]

I hate the contortions I have to get into to open or close seacocks. It occurred to me If I had some sort of "adapter" to fit over the stem nut and flat steel handle and fit let's say a standard ratchet handle.. Or that with LONG semi flexible extensions. It could mean less boats sinking by forgotten seacocks.

[Bradhamlet]

Just keep them closed.

[deniseO30]

lol

[tommays]

When i replaced them in Seafever i went with the Groco BV series because of the much better ability to change the handle position to make each one easy to reach

The bronze handle is definitely up to the mounting of some creative hardware

[tdw]

Originally Posted by tommays

When i replaced them in Seafever i went with the Groco BV series because of the much better ability to change the handle position to make each one easy to reach

The bronze handle is definitely up to the mounting of some creative hardware

Nice, very nice indeed.

[jrd22]

I've drilled a 7/16" hole near the end of the handles on some of the more difficult ones and I have a 3' piece of 3/8" SS rod that is bent at 90 degrees at the end. I just hook the end of the rod into the hole (a little difficult to line up on some) and either pull or push. Some do not open 100% if the pull is directly towards me, but it comes pretty close.

[deniseO30]

tommays, Groco... NICE!

JRD that's an idea. The most difficult for me is under the galley sink.

[centaursailor]

Good idea but you need to be careful about the amount of leverage applied.
Old valves can sheer or it,s quite possible to disturb the skin fitting if too much torque is applied.
Might be best to strip and overhaul or replace during haul out.

Safe sailing

[capecodda]

I've sheered them. Yup, placing a pipe extension on the lever. Seemed like a good idea at the time. Didn't sink the boat but did end up with an extra haul and replacement. Was a new to me boat at the time, and all I wanted to do was clean a strainer for the generator.

That said, boat builders frequently put them in the most awful locations. For that reason, we don't tend to exercise them, and when you need to they are stuck.

[P35juniper]

You could install these, a bit pricey, and big but then you wouldn't need to see the valve, they are used in industry to hold back all kinds of nasty chemicals, add the instriment switches and you will know if it is open or closed, just need a bit of air to operate. Would be good for a valve in a very hard place to get to on a normal basis, but could be got to with some removale of cabnetry, or interlocked on a larger boat.
[URL="http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/DYNAQUIP-CONTROLS-Ball-Valve-3TPH8"]