My last time at the boat after a two months absence I noticed my valve control handles controlling inflow and outgo in the head and also the galley sink were very stiff and hard to manipulate. Can these handles be lubricated. If so what is recommended. Reading in the archive I see these can cause problems, flooding, if they snap. Thanks for any advice. Bill
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Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca
One should lubricate the ball in the seacock at least once a year, I've read, and found that it does keep them working well (if regularly exercised).
When we haul out for the winter, we spray a teflon grease into the through-hull and work it back and forth a few times. The maker of the seacocks (Forespar) also has a lube for this, "Marelube".
As we wet store our boat alternate winters, we've used the Marelube Reach which is basically a kit with a syringe and hose for applying it from the inside if your boat is in the water (you pull off the hose, and reach in with it to grease the ball of the seacock); a bit messy to use in practice but it does the job.
Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY
Thanks Matthew, just ordered Marelube reach from Catalina Direct. Cheers, Bill
Bill and Carla Reitz C-36 MK-2 1995 W/K Kind of Blue #1427 Sausalito Ca