Water tank valves

[bellechasse]

I own a Jeanneau 419 sailboat and the water tank valves are not easy to open and close. Has any one replaced that’s with an easier valve and what is the procedure?

Thanks

[gwilliman]

Can I assume you have two water tanks and you are referring to the white plastic valves that control which tank you are drawing from?

I have a 419 with two water tanks and find that these valves are not that hard to turn.

[sitara]

They are difficult to turn on my 36i, also not that clear when on or off given their location. I could be tempted to change them one day.

[jdl01]

The 379 installation is similar to the 409. I find the issue is more the inability to get adequate room for your hand in the narrow space behind the setee backboard to properly grip the small valve handles. I have resorted to small needle nose vise grips to start the valves.

[zaphod]

Mine are pretty stiff too, but not a big deal for me. My wife can't turn them without pliers.

I also found it was difficult to tell if they were open or closed, but if you look closely at the knob you will see there are arrows molded into the top. I just coloured those arrows in with a sharpie so it is easy to see if it is open or closed.

[timpeacockuk]

Hi,
I had the same problem on my 42DS - difficult to access behind the seat back and very stiff to turn.
Firstly I cut a small square out of the seat back in front of the valves and then refitted it on a small hinge with a batton of wood behind to stop it pushing backwards. It doesn’t affect the strength of the seat but does mean that you do not have to crank your wrist round corners to get to them.
Secondly I changed the stiff circular valves for 15mm pushfit valves with levers - similar to these - although there are plenty of other similar ones.
JG Speedfit 15SV-H Service Valve with Handle, Grey, 15 mm www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079V1HK2Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BYVqEbP628C9T
The old valves just pull off the pipes when you depress the little collar. If you look at any of the pushfit fittings in a DIY store you will see how they work.
It made a world of difference to the boat and no more grazed knuckles.
Hope it helps.
Tim Peacock