CE: Through-hull fittings on aluminum boats

[Eric Sponberg]

Now I would like some advice.

I have recently heard that the EU will not allow Marelon through-hull fittings and seacocks on aluminum boats for CE certification. Is this true?

If so, what do you folks in Europe do for through-hull fittings and seacocks on aluminum boats so as to qualify for CE certification?

I can imagine that a pipe section welded to the hull would suffice for the through-hull pipe, but then you need a seacock. Do you have to use stainless steel? Certainly bronze is not acceptable because of galvanic corrosion, even if you were to isolate it from the pipe with an insulating spacer.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Eric

[D'ARTOIS]

Eric, I don't think this is true. If it is, - I check tomorrow - I let you know.

[CDBarry]

Don't know about CE, but comm'l FV practice is either
1) For small openings, to weld an half coupling to the hull or seachest, then thread in a sch 80 pipe as a waster piece, then an SS valve (Conbraco, usually). The pipe is easily replaced and acts as the sacrificial part and is attacked instead of the hull. A doubler or insert in the hull plate is a good idea as well.

2) For larger openings, same idea, only with flanged fittings instead of threaded.

[Eric Sponberg]

D'Artois,

Thanks, I'll await your findings. Chris, thank you too, that makes sense.

Eric

[CDBarry]

For a valves over 2" or so use a non-wafer (lugged) butterfly that meets leak tight requirements in fire service (doesn't require resilent material to not leak - see 46 CFR Sub F) to save weight.

[dougfrolich]

At www.forespar.com they indicate that thier Marelon fittings are ISO ok.

[Eric Sponberg]

Doug,

Thanks a lot. I'll pass this on.

Eric

[ABoatGuy]

Eric,

I don't know if you have had the same experience, but I have noticed a lot of difference in the interpretation of the CE requirements between different notified bodies. It seems to be a work in progress and a lot of the time feels like shooting at a moving target. I'm sure (at least I hope) it will get better with time!

Phil