Sailing Catalpa · video

What this video covers

Replacing aging through-hull skin fittings and seacocks requires significant hull access, often necessitating the removal of interior components like toilets or exhaust piping to reach restricted spaces.10:43 On a 30-year-old vessel, these fittings frequently seize, requiring the use of a custom-made puller tool, wire brushes to clear painted-over threads, or an angle grinder to cut the fittings out when muscle power and wrenches fail.9:26 During the process, the crew discovered a mix of metal and plastic fittings, with the latter showing significant degradation.17:07 The project, initially estimated as a three-day task, expanded as the crew opted to replace all eight valves rather than just the most corroded ones.11:55 While working on the hard stand in Malaysia, the crew faced additional delays due to local COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, which halted shipping for replacement parts.11:31 Removing seized through-hulls often requires destructive methods like grinding, making it essential to have replacement parts sourced or confirmed before beginning the removal process.8:52

More from Sailing Catalpa

arriving to the most remote atolls on earth...the TuamotusSept 2026they weren't expecting thisSept 2026one of the most remote islands on the planetSept 202629 days sailing Panama to French Polynesia the whole passageAug 2026

From Sailing Catalpa — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.