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Seacock for Galley sink?

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 12:11 pm
by KaiSchuler
The other day I was talking to a Mac-Owner (in Germany) He told me that per local regulations, a seacock was required for the galley-drain hole at the transom. It did make somewhat sense, because if the hose would come off, water could potentially leak into the hull (bilge), and could theoretically flood the entire boat.

Yesterday in a sailing magazine, I read something that US boat building regulations (Y... something) required a seacock for every thru-hull below the waterline, BUT for a sailing vessel that line would actually below the deckline. Wouldn't this mean that thru-hull below the hull-deck joint would require a sea-cock? On my boat, the hose is pretty much only attached with a clamp, and in the sink you have the funny little rubber cork.

Are there other regulations (for vessels under 26ft for example), that would be effective here?

Regardless of regulations, what is the understanding of other Macgregorsailors relative to this subject?

Your feedback is highly appreciated!!

Best regards,
Kai
:macm:

P.S.: Can't wait to get her ready for the water!

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 1:12 pm
by Catigale
In the US models the through hulls are above the waterline on the sides of the boat, not the transom, so seacocks are not required. I guess one could argue that under heel, the through hulls could go under water so a seacock wouldnt be a bad addition.

I put my bilge pump exit out the back and thought about a seacock but didnt do it...I could stuff something in a hole easier than crawling underneath to pull the valve closed anyway, in the event of a failure.

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 1:15 pm
by DLT
The M's sink thru-hull is shared with the motor well and is on the transom.

I believe it is below the water line, at least the painted strip...

I don't have a seacock on mine, but you gotta wonder...

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 3:17 pm
by Randy Smith
I put a valve in the drain to shut it off and on as desired. Don't need it, but put it on in about ten minutes....did it to the head and the galley on the X. I don't have security if the hose blows from the thru hull, but there is enough hose to reach over and reattach until I can get everything under control...but at Catigale said, our thru hulls are above the water line...so a water invasion would only happen on a sustained heel....I actually like to shut the valves in the winter...may be in my head but I swear air comes through if the wind blows just right :) :macx: Randy

drain ports

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 4:38 pm
by Night Sailor
Good practice recommends putting two clamps on every hose end. The way my M26X's thru hulls are made, the hose attachmemt point was tapered, not flat. A potential existed for the hose to be pulled off with galley gear moving about under way or accidentallly by crew. I solved that issue by plumbing the galley and head sink drains with solid PVC schedule 40, except for the trap area just beneath the basin. The was tubing so it could be removed in necessary.
Once fused in place the PVC will take a lot of abuse before breaking coming loose. I didn't install a PVC ball valve but I couldn have easily enough. I just figured that the way the thruhull is made, the valve would be just as likely to break off as the pipe. So I do carry the piece of soft tapered wood that could be jammed in there if ever necessary.

No wind will blow up the drains if they have a proper trap installed in the drain line. Traps are valuable for these reasons: keeps cold air out in winter; keeps insects from crawling up and inside; if the Admiral's diamond goes down the drain, it's not immediately deep sixed and can be retrieved with only a little bit of time and unclamping involved.

Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2006 10:43 am
by Randy Smith
I did put traps in............you sure no wind comes out???? :) :macx: Randy