| Skin fittings are an important part of inspection and boat maintenance. Above we can see a ball valve for an airconditioning system seawater suction. The handle is completely wasted and therefore inoperable. It is important to be able to close through hull valves because if the hoses are damaged they will become a source of flooding. This fitting is installed on a laminated in wood reinforcement which is good practice. |
| Closer view. It was not a good idea to use aluminium for the handle as galvanic corrosion has wasted it. The valve must be replaced. Even if the valves are in good external condition they must be tested for their full range of travel periodically to ensure that they can be closed. It is recommended to work them one per month to avoid siezing. |
| Above we can see plastic skin fittings installed below the waterline. These are prohibited unless they are Marelon. These are of the type which stick out and can shear off during a grounding incident. Marelon fittings are made from glass reinforced nylon resin. |
| Interior view of the plastic valves. Plastic handles are also not preferred as if the valve is partly siezed they can break off when strong pressure is applied. |
