Installation of a Blakes SeaCock

Our 1980 sailing yacht Venus, Baltic 51 is equipped with 12 through-hulls.

During our recent maintenance, while the boat was dry on a berth, we undertook to replace one of our Blakes through-hulls, specifically designed to be laminated into the hull.

We'll take you with us through the process of installing this new through-hull fitting!

Context

One of the main dangers when sailing is the ingress of water into the boat. That's why hulls are designed to withstand environmental stresses and collisions.

However, with equipment such as an inboard engine, sinks or toilets requiring a water supply, it becomes essential to pierce the hull to connect a hose: these are called through-hull fittings.

These devices must be able to close when necessary to stop any water entering in the event of breakage or leakage.

On board Venus, our twelve through-hulls perform a variety of functions: some are for measuring instruments (such as the depth gauge and the log), while others manage the inflow and outflow of water.

Blakes Through-Hull Fittings

The through-hulls we have on board are Blakes, bronze alloy models, laminated directly into the hull.

This type of through-hull is often found on top-of-the-range yachts, such as Swans and Baltics, for their durability and resistance to corrosion. Bronze alloy is not only aesthetically pleasing, it also offers great longevity.

The Importance Of Maintenance

Despite their robustness, these through-hulls require regular maintenance.

In addition to routine maintenance, which should be carried out by applying marine grease between the parts making up the through-hull, regular inspection is crucial to detect any signs of weakness or wear.

Recently, during a thorough inspection, we noticed that one of our through-hulls was showing worrying signs of deterioration. Ignoring this problem could have compromised the integrity of our boat, so we decided to replace it.

The Challenge Of Repair

Unlike hull covers of other models, changing a Blakes hull cover, which is therefore laminated, is a task requiring precision and technical know-how. When properly supervised, the latter is fairly easy to acquire.

Here's how we went about it:

1. Sanding the fiber: We began by carefully sanding the fiber around the old grommet to free it from the

1. Removing the old hull plating: Using a combination of light blows from the outside and inside of the yacht, we removed the old hull plating. This step requires particular care to avoid damaging the hull, which could lead to leaks or further repairs.

   
   

2. Adjusting the hole: Once the through-hull had been removed, the hole had to be adjusted to perfectly accommodate the new through-hull. This involved precise measurements to ensure that the new model would fit perfectly, both in terms of the width of the hole and the length of the foot of the new seacock.

   
   

3. Installation with 3M 5200: For installation, we opted for 3M 5200 marine sealant, renowned for its powerful adhesion and resistance to marine conditions. Application of this product is a key step in guaranteeing the long-term watertightness of the grout.

1. Application of epoxy resin: We then applied liquid epoxy resin to reinforce the whole, and to fill any nooks and crannies under the center plate that could not be reached by the putty.

   
   

2. Application of epoxy resin with additive: We then applied epoxy resin with 406 West System additive (colloidal silica) to contour the pase-hull to match the shape of the deck for the next step.

1. Fiberglass lamination: Finally, we apply a layer of fiberglass to re-laminate our Blakes. The previous step ensures that there are no air bubbles trapped under the fiber, and that the whole thing is compact and solid.

   
   

This repair would not have been possible without the direct technical support of Blakes and Swan. Their expertise was invaluable, and we thank them sincerely for their advice and assistance.

Their commitment to quality and safety enabled us to complete this complex task with confidence.

This repair experience reminds us of the importance of preventive maintenance and vigilance on board.

Thanks to this meticulous work, Venus is now ready to face new adventures at sea. We're proud of the result and of the new-found safety of our yacht.

Thank you all for your continued support. Stay tuned for our next sailing adventures! See you soon!

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Do you have any questions about repairs to your sailboat? Just contact us!

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