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How to Install Thru Hull Fittings - TruDesign | Sailing Sunday
2 April 2020 · 5 min · 84K views
What this video covers
Ryan replaces the existing through-hull fittings and seacocks on Sunday with glass-reinforced nylon composite TruDesign fittings.0:41 The installation process requires grinding the hull surface back to the gel coat to ensure a proper seal, rather than mounting the fitting directly over existing anti-fouling paint.3:02 Proper preparation involves sanding the area around the through-hull opening to remove old paint and debris before applying silicone sealant. While some professional marine technicians perform quick replacements by mounting fittings directly over anti-fouling, this method lacks the long-term reliability of a clean gel coat bond.3:39 The project demonstrates that replacing skin fittings is a manageable task for boat owners, provided they prioritize surface preparation over speed. Removing old fittings and cleaning the surrounding hull area ensures the new composite components seat correctly against the fiberglass. Achieving a watertight seal requires removing all layers of bottom paint down to the original gel coat.
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