The Truth About Marine Hoses

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There's more difference among marine hoses than just the colors.

Choosing the right hose for the appropriate application is often underestimated. While enjoying a day on the water, the thought of your boat taking on water is likely far from your mind, yet it’s crucial to know that various hoses can contribute to significant problems. For instance, a recent experience at sea highlighted the importance of high-quality hosing when I was called to assist a friend's boat. The bilge pump had started activating seemingly without reason. After anchoring, we found water had invaded the hull, and panic quickly ensued as we searched for the source. It turned out that a PVC reinforced hose connected to the toilet had failed, resulting in the toilet's pump continuously drawing water into the boat. If this had gone unnoticed, it could have drained the batteries and led to a sinking situation.

Having the right clamp for the application is almost as important as choosing the right hose.

Learn the Differences

There is a variety of hoses on a vessel, each designed for a specific application. The hose isolated for the toilet system isn't the same type suitable for the exhaust system, and it’s critical never to interchange fuel hoses with coolant hoses. Another key point to remember is to avoid using automotive hoses in marine environments; it might fit, but longevity might be compromised. Quality hoses are integral to ensuring the safety and functionality of your boat.

Let’s explore the various marine hoses and their applications:

Sanitation and Heads

Two primary types of hoses serve this function - PVC and rubber. PVC hoses are cheaper and more flexible, but inferior quality can harden and create installation challenges due to becoming brittle. A significant warning is never to use clear PVC hoses, as they promote bacteria growth, resulting in unpleasant odors. On the other hand, rubber hoses, while pricier, offer durability and reliability. Installing sanitation hoses should be checked regularly for low spots that might hold effluent, and double hose clips are recommended for anything submerged.

In regular maintenance, don't forget to inspect the loop vent.

Fresh Water Hoses

Options for fresh water hoses are limited to non-toxic, non-tainting types. Using domestic plumbing products often works best due to their opaque properties, eliminating light that could foster bacteria growth. Clear PVC hoses must be avoided for the same reason, and it’s advisable to include a filter in the system.

LPG Hoses

In LPG systems, it is vital to keep the amount of flexible hose to a minimum. Typically, copper piping is employed, accompanied by flexible hoses. It's crucial to ensure that all joints meet the industry standards to mitigate the risk of gas leaks on board.

Propane tanks must be professionally installed in designated lockers.

Fuel Hoses

Fuel fill and line hoses are highly specialized, necessitating the use of premium rubber hoses, especially for gasoline engines, where SAE ratings matter. Diesel hoses are equally crucial as they can cause significant messes if leaks occur. Leading engine brands utilize specific fabric-covered hoses that are robust enough for challenging conditions.

Connect with us to learn more about our offerings as a marine hoses manufacturer. Our knowledgeable team can help pinpoint solutions tailored to your needs.

Salt Water Cooling Hoses

When looking at hoses connected to cooling systems, premium grade suction hoses are mandatory. Poor practices such as using garden hoses with inadequate pressure might lead to pump failures. Hoses between pumps and heat exchangers should be heavy-duty and ideally reinforced.

Always use reinforced hoses below the waterline to prevent collapse under suction.

Exhaust Hoses

Only use certified exhaust hoses designed to endure conditions without cooling water. Regularly inspecting these hoses and employing double clamps at connections is essential for safety.

Exhaust hose should be reinforced to withstand extensive runs and keep the boating experience safe and efficient.

Hydraulic Steering Hose

In steering systems, avoid rubber hydraulic hoses due to their tendency to expand. Instead, opt for high-pressure thermoplastic hoses or copper tubes for reliable performance.

Hose Quality

Identifying quality hoses involves checking for reputable brands and verifying that each hose meets various specifications, including the SAE rating. Recognizable dealers offer valuable insights into products that meet marine standards and ensure safety.

Regular checks on clamps and visual inspections of hoses can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious incident while out on the water. Quality hoses are a prerequisite to ensuring a safe and enjoyable boating experience.

Article courtesy of Pacific Powerboat magazine.

First boat you all,

I need to replace a lot of hoses on my Westerbeke 10 Two. A few of these hoses are painted red with the same paint from the motor. Is this necessary??? Also, do I need to buy all these hoses from a marine parts store or can I take it in and match at any auto parts or hose specialty store? Do they need any special treatment?

Much thanks,
JB

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