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How to Install a Seacock With 3M 5200 & No Fasteners

Seacocks are valves that open or close pipes that go through the hull of a boat below the waterline. Their purpose is to let water in or send it out of the boat. They must be mounted securely and be water tight. Holes in the hull of a boat, particularly those below the waterline, must be controlled with strong fittings to function safely. Fortunately, installing a seacock can be done by following a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

Epoxy
Coloidal silica
MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)
rags
3M 5200 marine caulk
Putty knife
Pipe wrench
Chemical rated eye protection
Solvent proof gloves

Instructions

How to Install a Seacock With 3M 5200 Marine Caulk and Without Fasteners
- 1
  Check the hull. If it has a core, it must be filled with epoxy thickened with colloidal silica at least to the width of the flange. Use rags to clean the hull and flange surfaces with MEK (methyl ethyl ketone).
- 2
  Apply 3M 5200 marine caulk to the flange surfaces and the hull around the hole. Insert the through-hull fitting into the hull from the outside, and screw on the seacock from the inside. Tighten it enough to squeeze the caulk out on all edges of the inside and outside flanges. Clean off the excess caulk with mineral spirits.
- 3
  Allow the caulk to cure for three to seven days before use. 3M 5200 marine caulk has excellent adhesive properties, the use of which result in permanent installations.

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