This is the easy part of the project but you will need a few tools first. The must have tool for this project is called a step wrench. The step wrench can be inserted into the thru-hull and then used to tighten it into a seacock, remove it from a seacock or to break the marine sealant free from the hull. Most step wrenches have a nice flat spot for a pipe wrench or adjustable wrench for added leverage.


I purchased my step wrench from Hamilton Marine in Portland, ME and over the years it has certainly been paid for over and over.


The photo shows the step wrench inserted into the female side of the thru-hull ready to tighten or loosen.


Removal of the old thru-hull is easy:


1- First remove any hose clamps attached to the hose.


2- Next remove the hose from the valve.


3- Using pipe wrenches remove the valve from the thru-hull.


4- Using pipe wrenches or in some locations a chisel remove the locking nut from the thru-hull.


5- Apply heat in the form of a heat gun to the exterior of the mushroom head part of the thru-hull.


6- While it's still hot use the step wrench to break the thru-hull free from the hull and remove it.


7- If it was put in with a product like 3M's 5200, & does not want to break free, sliding a three foot pipe over the wrenches handle will give you the leverage needed. You can also use a pipe wrench on the threads to break it free but this will ensure total destruction of the thru-hull.


8- If all of the above methods fail to break it free from the hull use a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder and grind it out being very careful not to get it too hot from the grinding so you burn the hull.