Replacing plastic through hull fittings

[Fireguy243]

I have a 2004, 2870 CC. All of the through hull fittings that are exposed to the sun are degrading to the point where I don't want to risk taking the boat out until they are replaced. Has anyone attempted this project themselves? It looks tough to access the fittings without some major effort and possibly cutting some small pieces out of compartment walls.

Any thoughts or experience would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Trpntj]

I looked into it on my 2870, and they are hard to get to as the boat comes from the factory. I had to replace the fish box macerator, and took out the batteries, distribution panel, and hatch off so I could fit/crawl into the rear bilge. The hours I was hunched over in there, I was looking at how hard the through hull would be to replace, even in the position I was in. The scupper outlets were accessible, but the bilge thru hulls were up there. When I sold it survey found a cracked scupper thru-hull on the interior. Buyer replaced it. Good luck, sorry I can't be of more help or have any good news.

Tripper

[Fireguy243]

Thanks. I read a thread on another site in which they installed access ports in the areas that where hard to get to. Unfortunately the boat is currently in FL. and I am in IL. I will be there again in January for 4 months and I will take a closer look at the feasibility of adding them. Thoughts on that idea? If possible I would try to install them in the side walls if possible which I see as preferable to putting them in the deck.

The though-hulls in the bottom would possibly be a different issue.

[Coastal Pursuit]

I had to replace a few on my 3070. I used marelon witch is uv resitant for the ones on the waterline. If you go with bronze or stainless you will have to bond them.
I would contact Pursuit about replacement options. They usually have a good idea on what to do

[Fireguy243]

I think Marelon is what they are presently. I had a guy look at the boat and he stated that the previous owner probably used a muriatic acid formula to clean the hull and that's what degraded the fittings.
My buddy talked to Pursuit without much luck. They pretty much stated that we're on our own in getting access to the fittings and that if we purchased the replacements through them we would receive the same material as originally equipped.
Maybe we are being paranoid but we have been told story's about the "plastic" though-hull fitting breaking off if hit hard enough on a dock. At least in the shape ours are in now. Any particular reason that you went with the marelon? Besides cost?

[Trpntj]

Marelon isn't plastic thr-hulls you'd pick up at walmart(Atwood). It's a brand name polymer, that's UV resistant and think the only plastic ABYC certified for underwater thru-hulls. Pursuit and Tiara used them a lot. Being a polymer you don't have to worry about the bonding issue as you do with metal. Soon as the bonding wire breaks or corrodes, the thru hull is gonna corrode and poof. Marelon does last, but just like anything marine, that don't last forever, and eventually do require replacement.

Both have the pro's and con's.