Click for Abeking Click for CL Yachts Click for Nordhavn Click for Ocean Alexander Click for Burger

Moving engine cooling water inlets

Discussion in 'Post Yacht' started by Greg Page, Oct 1, 2026 at 4:55 PM.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. Greg Page, Oct 1, 2026 at 4:55 PM
    #1
    Greg Page

    Greg Page Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2017
    Messages:
    501
    Location:
    Annapolis MD
    Has anyone considered/rejected/completed moving the engine cooling water inlets from outside the shafts near the outer stringers to inside the shafts and the inner stringers? I've been managing with the seacock handle extensions (https://www.yachtforums.com/threads/how-do-you-reach-seacocks.34385/ ) but being 6 years older and injuring my hip several months ago I've realized I can't access the "easier to get to" stbd seacock with out seriously re-injuring myself and and likely would drown trying to get to the port side seacock and back out.

    Would need to relocate the thru hulls and seacocks, outside wedge scoop/strainers, re-route the crash pump plumbing and both engine hoses and have the inlet scoop and thru hull holes all fiberglassed shut.

    I don't know if moving the inlets inboard would present any external flow problems. I no longer use the original tabs (since the SKR install) so any impact to the prior tabs, which would be behind the inet scoops/strainers, would be moot.
  2. Capt Ralph, Oct 1, 2026 at 7:09 PM
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    14,548
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    If you don't mind some questions;
    Could a longer handle be of help?
    A longer handle angled in a different direction or new angle?
    I remember handles with a half inch square drive hole at its end for a pull bar or ratchet, could that help?
    I'm not in a hurry to recommend another hole in you hull but imagine then, a few joints of heavy bronze fittings raising the inlet raw water before the sea-cock to a more reachable location?

    Getting old sux. We need to think in and out of the box, when thinking serviceability vs mods to our hull.

    ,rc
  3. Capt J, Oct 2, 2026 at 12:47 AM
    #3
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,892
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Get a handle helper or buy a few beers and give them to somebody on the dock to exercise them for you........hell of a lot cheaper than moving thru hulls and seacocks.
  4. mapism, Oct 2, 2026 at 7:17 AM
    #4
    mapism

    mapism Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2008
    Messages:
    2,294
    Location:
    Sardinia
    Tabs are practically irrelevant.
    The reason why you will find inlets placed outboard of the shafts in most boats (good ones, anyhow) has rather to see with the propellers.
    In fact, the water flow under the hull is NOT perfectly longitudinal, but rather diagonal, pointing slightly outboard. Therefore, it's better not to have anything that can create a disruption in the water flow inboard of the shafts, because that turbulence is more likely to hit the props - which need solid water to perform at their best and without cavitation.

    Trouble is, God only knows to what extent that could be relevant in your particular boat, and I very much doubt that it's possible to simulate/estimate that without an actual test...
    d_meister likes this.
  5. Greg Page, Oct 2, 2026 at 3:42 PM
    #5
    Greg Page

    Greg Page Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2017
    Messages:
    501
    Location:
    Annapolis MD
    It's not being unable to move the valves (they were replaced new 6 years ago and get greased each fall). I could get in there before, but since hip injury can't get to into several of the tighter spaces in the engine room (actually more about getting back out again). My prior viking had the seacocks both almost on centerline. Can't get that far in on the Post as the fuel tank in the engine bay is on centerline. Friend is former Ocean service center manager and is more concerned with re-routing the hoses than moving the valves so will take a closer look when haul for the season in mid November. Wonder where the 80's Oceans have them as the hulls are pretty similar.

    Have a friend who is one of the top boat designers, probably give him a call. (Morelli and Melvin)

    Thanks