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Automatic seacocks

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Sea Dog, Mar 17, 2008.

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  1. Sea Dog, Mar 17, 2008
    #1
    Sea Dog

    Sea Dog New Member

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    Hi all

    I have a 38' Bertram with manually operated seacocks, which are becoming a nuisance, because I have to clime into the engine room every time I want to start the engines. So my question is there any good quality automatic seacocks that will open and close with a flick of a switch.

    Thanks
  2. Marmot, Mar 17, 2008
    #2
    Marmot

    Marmot Senior Member

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    Google "motor operated valves" and you will find a willing supplier.

    What might be more important though is the nuisance of visiting the engine room also offers you the possibly final opportunity to check the lube oil, coolant, and general condition of the things that go bang clang whoosh, screech, splash, or burst into flame at the worst possible moment.
  3. wingless, Dec 20, 2009
    #3
    wingless

    wingless Member

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    Why not just leave the seacocks in the open position, except when required?

    Is it common for the seacocks to be closed when not operating the vessel?
  4. Pascal, Dec 20, 2009
    #4
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    i usually leave all seacocks open... on a larger boat, you will have a number of seacocks, if everything is well maintained and inspected regularly i don' tsee the point. the risk of forgetting to re open a sea cock are greater than the benefits.

    ever tried to pull a hose of a barb fitting? they dont' come off that easily and certainly will not come off by themself in the unlikely event both clamps fail...

    galvanic corrosion on some fittins can be an issue, but again if you only use bronze it will be fine.
  5. K1W1, Dec 21, 2009
    #5
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    Why would you do that, don't all those things come pre filled from the factory?:D
  6. travler, Dec 21, 2009
    #6
    travler

    travler Senior Member

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    K1W1

    that sounds like my wife all you do is an gas and go LOL

    HAPPY HOLIDAYS TRAVLER
  7. Capt J, Dec 21, 2009
    #7
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I usually leave all of the seacocks open on a well maintained vessel, unless it is something that is rarely used such as a livewell pump, or watermaker or something to that effect. I do work all seacocks on a vessel on a regular basis (every month or two).

    I have not seen electric seacocks on a vessel of your size.

    However, I ALWAYS visit the engine room before each trip and check bilge pump operation, oil and coolant levels in the engines and generators and anything else that should be checked.
  8. Fishtigua, Dec 21, 2009
    #8
    Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    Of cause, its still in warranty, someone else will pay when it goes bang.
  9. CharlieJ, Dec 23, 2009
    #9
    CharlieJ

    CharlieJ New Member

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    Seek and ye shall find: http://www.kzvalve.com/

    What they call brass valves are actually bronze...I already contacted them and had this verified.

    Charlie