Hi Rodd,
There was a discussion a while back about the virtues of Marelon vs. bronze. I happen to like Marelon. I've never had any problem with it and never had a Marelon ball valve seize. Others have had other experiences, I gather. I like Marelon because it withstands freezing better than bronze and you don't have to operate the valves twice a year as recommended for bronze.
On the other hand, if you maintain bronze valves properly, you'll not have any problem with them either.
The other issue is that Marelon doesn't contribute to galvanic corrosion. You don't need to ground the fittings or valves.
I'm of the school that says (perhaps incorrectly but so far successfully) if your boat isn't grounded to the environment through metallic thru hulls and so forth it isn't a target for lightning. This is, in my opinion, because lightning requires a ground leader for connection. Videos show that a leader comes down and meets one coming up from the ground, tree, water, or what have you. Once they connect the main strike happens. So if you don't provide the leader from ground, you're less likely to attract the strike.
Others may argue. Really, how many boats get stricken by lightning a year?
So, in short, you could go either way and be fine.
Bob
On Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 8:59 PM, Rodd Leeds < ([email][/email])> wrote:
I was sanding the bottom today and took a good look at the plastic thru-hulls at the water line. I think it's time to replace them this year. Did anyone put a seacock in line with the new bronze thru hulls? Also, how about using the MArelon version for these fittings? Any feelings one way or the other?
Thanks
Rodd Leeds
—
Bob Fine
Fine Software LLC
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