Valve Replacement on D Class

[NorfolkPete]

Seeking repairs expertise and experience.......The Alfons Haar SF1 Valve on the keel of my D Class has "failed" (plastic broken internally) and has to be replaced (Sadly a service kit will not do). the very helpful people at Ribstore have sourced the correct Glue, New Valve and Valve Doubler. I now wonder what the best way to proceed is; I can remove old threaded value section without cutting it out leaving the original hole/apeture in the keel (as per photo).
1. Proceed with doubler gluing over existing hole although the area concerned is not ideal or smooth to ensure airtight seal for doubler.
2. Make a slit in keel tube big enough to take new section of valve, work the replacement valve into existing aperture then repair slit in keel, with another patch/
3. Any other ideas.....?

All ideas much appreciated, I am little nervous of this repair, particularly cutting into an otherwise sound tube!

[mister p]

Well done on the D Class.
What's the engine? 30hp Mariner?

[NorfolkPete]

40 HP Mariner. I was very lucky acquired Ex D417 from Ireland, very well kitted out and in great order....but for the valve in the keel which now need replacing!

[mister p]

Give the RNLI in Poole a call, they'll point you in the right direction, or try the office in Teddington. Now that Mal is not answering the 'phone you'll get a human reply.

[m chappelow]

You could try shoving / working the new valve in on its side with loads of washing up liquid ,though it will be hard even on single skin & not when it's been reinforced with another layer ,

If you are daring enough Suppose you could file/cut a bit off some of the 4 lugs on the bottom of the valve body that may help just a little (ones that help protect the valve seal rubber if the valves left open & the boats deflated)
Or cut a couple of cms of the flange seal on opposing sides ,
though I recon its going to be to cut a small slit , fit & re patch .

if your going to do that i would suggest to do it on the top / flatter part of the keel rather than on the side .
Douglas Hurndall original name of D417 .