On the subject of through-hulls....

The "deteriorating through-hulls" thread raised a couple questions. First, my other boat has 4 remaining through-hulls (two others, with metal fittings, were for the old head). Two are for the cockpit drains and two for the deck drains. All four are cast into the hull molding--they are basically integral fiberglass nipples, with the hoses clamped directly onto them. Because of this configuration, there are no seacocks. I rely on the clamps and hoses for integrity. The danger of the nipple itself failing is quite low. From time to time I've thought about installing real bronze through-hulls with seacocks. But since these are for deck and cockpit drains, they'd stay open when I left the boat anyway. The only advantage to a seacock would be for closing it off if a hose failed. I have a collection of tapered wood plugs for emergency use. Any thoughts on this issue? Second, the hoses and clamps are originals (1961 vinyl & steel). The vinyl is clear and not reinforced. I've tested the vinyl by squeezing it from time to time, and it seems to remain flexible after 58 years. The likely point of failure is the cockpit drains, located in the sole and about 6" or 8" above the through-hull nipple. My concern is that relative motion between the sole and the hull (there's always motion in a boat's structure) might stress the relatively short vinyl. That's why I've done the squeeze test. Because of the short run, the heavy hose and limited space would make replacing it a real struggle. I could cut the old hose to get it off but getting a short section of thick hose back onto the two nipples (sole and hull) might be one of those epic struggles. I did add back-up clamps on all the hoses as a protection against failure of the single clamps. The old ones do not show any physical evidence of deterioration. I vacillate between thinking "58 year old vinyl, yikes! " and "if it's still flexible and looks good, it must be OK. Don't go looking for trouble." Other experience with old vinyl? The boat is in fresh water and is hauled about 7 months of each year. It has no 120 V AC wiring or equipment. I do plug in a battery charger when it needs it (almost never with a little solar charger in place). I'm a fan of the simpler-is-better approach to sailing, which may be why I adore my Cal 20. She had two through-hulls (head in and out) that I removed and glassed over years ago. Now there are none. As with the other boat, her 120 VAC system is an extension cord, rarely used (rare means never here) , and her little garden-tractor battery is kept up with a solar device. Chris Campbell