Nelson, I'd be inclined to fix the valves one way or another. If you are in the water, close off the seacock first so that there is no risk of a broken valve and an open seacock. Or wait until the boat is hauled. Either way, I'd tap the case of the valve with a rubber mallet or hammer via a short length of wood to help loosen any crud. Then either tap the handle or pry it open. Many of the Y valves also can be disassembled by removal of some stainless screws or bolts. Inside about all there is are some rubber washers and the moving handle assembly...No real way to get it working this way,either, without forcing the handle.... Most likely some additional tapping and handle pressure will free up the valve...nothing to corrode with plastic. Cheers, Rob Brueckner 1972 Hatteras Yachtfish

GYMKIDD319@aol.com wrote: > If you are in the water, close off the seacock first so that there is no risk > of a broken valve and an open seacock... I suspect the seacocks ARE closed. The problem may be in ever getting 'em open again. The biggest potential for unwanted water is likely to be a failed/failing hose connection, 'cuz I doubt they've ever even been inspected for as long as they've been closed. > Most likely some additional tapping and handle > pressure will free up the valve...nothing to corrode with plastic. No, but salt air and mineral buildup does degrade plastic. It's one of the reasons why some people don't like plastic y-valves...the handles become brittle and can break off if very much force is needed to operate them. After this many years of disuse, even if they can be freed up again, the rubber gaskets and seals will have to be replaced to keep them from leaking...they'll have to opened up and lubricated again with teflon or silicon grease. When all that is taken into account, plus the amount of time, effort and expense to try to free them with only a 50-50 chance of success at best, IMO it makes far more sense to just replace them...and take better care of the new ones in the future. I'd go with Whale valves. Design and quality are the best IMO. Peggie ---------- Peggie Hall Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987 Author "Get Rid of Boat Odors - A Guide To Marine Sanitation Systems and Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor" http://www.seaworthy.com/html/get_rid_of_boat_odors.html