Bronze ball valves - in water replacement

[mico]

I think I've mentioned that the closest haul out facility for Australis is Kudat, about 4 days sailing north to the top of Borneo.

The anti foul and prop are still in very good condition and the only reason I'd be taking that long haul would be to replace all the ball valves and skin fittings (circa 2008)

A few are seized whilst others are stiff and it's usually the first thing we replace when purchasing a new vessel.

Both the through holes and valves are bronze and after our recent success of refurbishing the stuffing box whilst still in the water, I'm contemplating attempting the same with the ball valves at least.

Obviously I can't do anything about the through hole fittings but I figure that if we block the outside and take our time and use a bit of care and not force things, we may just be able to unscrew the old ball valves without shifting the through holes.

We'd then replace the through holes towards the end of this year when we have time to go to Kudat. At least we'd have some comfort knowing that the ball valves are all working and secure until then.

Well that's the plan and we all know what happens to those!

Like most, I've shared the frustration of having to cut, grind and hammer off a ball valve and corroded skin fitting - usually S/S . That's certainly not going to happen in the water this time, but I have recently received a few comments about Bronze through holes becoming brittle with age and that we could very well shatter one if we are not careful.

Has anyone in the forum tackled an in water job like this before?

Fair winds,


Australis II