Check your Plastic Skin Fittings!

Moulded white Nylon Skin Fittings: Millions of boats have them, many have them too close to the waterline, some even have them (incorrectly) under the waterline. The un-reinforced nylon material is tough enough in the right application, but they don't stand up to many years of exposure to sunlight.

The black ring is a crack

The one in this photograph has quite clearly cracked around the inner circumference. You can imagine that when this skin fitting was installed, the large nut on the inside would have been screwed on quite tightly. This puts the plastic between the nut and outer flange into tension, creating stresses in the material. Over a number of years, sunlight will attack the nylon and slowly weaken it. Eventually, a crack may develop in the weakest and most highly loaded area. The crack propagation will be accelerated by impact, such as when the boat rubs alongside a pontoon or mooring pile.

This Winter Lay-up:

Closely inspect all of your plastic skin fittings. Look for signs of cracking around the inner circumference. Look at the condition of the nylon on the outside: Is it crumbly or powdery? Consider replacing if you are unsure. From the inside of the boat, apply a sideways pressure to the skin fitting. If there is movement, look closely for external cracks or determine if the fitting needs to be re-bedded.

Consider an Upgrade:

If the nylon skin fitting is close to the waterline, say less than 250mm above, consider replacing the nylon fitting with a marine bronze one. To be extra safe, use two hose clips when securing the hose to the fitting. American Standards specify that any fitting below the 'heeled waterline' should have a seacock fitted. For further advice, feel free to call us. Our contact details can be found on our website: www.fieldhouse-yacht-surveys.com