Just be sure that the hose you buy is rated for potable (drinking) water. Water hose usually comes with the blue stripe, is blue, or specifically states it's safe to drink from - no plastic taste. You can get UV protected (stabilized) hose as well.
Stuff grows fast in the hose, and in some marina waterlines, so let me recommend putting a Camco Taste Pure (blue inline) water filter at the end of the hose that goes into the tank. Walmart $19. Good for six months or so.
GIGO - It usually takes running the water tanks as low as possible about five times before the water is drinkable. On our 49' DeFever with 350 gallons of water, we could drain the tanks, refill through the Camco, run the washing machine to use volumes of hot water to clear the lines. Then continue to run hot and cold water out of all faucets, refill, repeat, and then good to go. On our Albin, again, it took five times running the water tank dry and refilling it through the Camco filter to get clear, testably clean water.
Bob
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit MIC.
By Tom Burden, Last updated: 11/26/
Consider what can happen when a hose bursts. If you are lucky, you will only have nuisance repairs to electronics, engine or interior. If fate has it in for you, a defective hose can cause a stink if it&#;s the discharge of the head, cause a fire if it&#;s part of a gas line or even sink your boat if it&#;s connected to a thru-hull fitting. That&#;s why we recommend spending a little more on a high-quality marine hose that offers more durability and better performance in critical applications and why you should inspect your hoses frequently for signs of deterioration.
Your application will determine what kind of hose to purchase. Our selection of hoses encompasses most applications and is available in any length from a foot up. The following is a guide to match hose and application.
Raw water intake hoses ingest water from outside a boat to cool an engine, flush a toilet, cool an air conditioner or provide a fresh supply of water for fish in bait tanks. Use only hose recommended for &#;below waterline&#; connections. Depending on the application, raw water intake hose will have fabric, PVC or stainless steel spiral reinforcement that resists kinking and prevents the hose from collapsing when for example, an engine pulls a vacuum due to a clogged water intake screen. For engine raw water intake, we recommend Shield's Series-250 or Series-252 hose, both of which are reinforced with a metal wire helix to prevent collapse. For engine coolant circulation, Shields Series-135 hose, which is reinforced with polyester yarn spirals can be a good choice&#;however care must be taken not to exceed the minimum bend radius and the temperature rating of the hose. For an overview of hose applications, see the hose application tables below.
Drainage hose for cockpit, sink or shower needs to be flexible with strong walls and resistance against kinks and abrasions, but since they are under positive pressure, they generally don't require helical wire reinforcement..
Potable water hoses must be made of FDA-approved, non-toxic materials so they won&#;t cause bad taste in drinking water supplies. Pressurized freshwater systems must use reinforced hose to withstand pump pressure (approx. 40&#;60PSI). For fill and vent hoses in water tanks, extra-heavy-duty sanitation/water hose should be used, while reinforced rubber hose is the best choice for hot water up to 140°F.
Alternatively, you may use a reinforced vinyl hose reinforced with nylon braid. Examples include: Series 162 (polyester reinforced clear PVC hose), FDA approved; Series 140 VAC Standard (steel wire reinforced PVC hose); and Series 148 Multi-Purpose (vinyl helix hose) FDA approved, ideal for critical drain and fill applications.
Bilge pump hoses typically use corrugated polyethylene with molded cuffs because it is flexible, economical and resists oil, solvents and other waste that collects in the bilge. For better flow you should choose a hose with a smooth bore, abrasion-resistant cover and good anti-kink flexibility. Examples include: Series 148 Multi-Purpose (smooth-walled vinyl helix hose) FDA approved, ideal for critical drain and fill applications, and Shields Multiflex Hose (Series 141). Of the corrugated hoses, the best is Shields VAC Standard (Series 140) and Bilgeflex (Series 120).
Sanitation hose has to be tough, flexible and resistant to odors and toilet chemicals. Choose hose with a smooth bore, heavy wall and specifically labeled for marine sanitation use. There are two choices: white vinyl hose and sanitation hose. Both will eventually smell. We recommend only smooth interior wall hose because corrugated types trap waste and restrict flow. Rigid PVC does not pass odors but is stiffer and more difficult to route and does not connect directly to pumps and thru-hulls. Still it is possible to plumb part of the system with rigid PVC, switching to hose where necessary.
Reinforcement: Many hoses have reinforcement in the walls for strength and rigidity, and to prevent collapse or expansion under pressure. The reinforcements can be wire, yarn spiral or PVC/vinyl helix.
Burst strength: Hose used for discharge lines has to resist pressure. This so-called burst strength, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) depends on product design and diameter; small diameter hoses have greater burst strengths. Hose with multiple plies or helical reinforcement has greater pressure limits, which is important for pressurized water or exhaust applications.
Vacuum rating: Hose on the intake side has to withstand suction, a property that is measured with a so-called vacuum rating. Intake hose should have a vacuum rating of 20 or higher.
Temperature range: Mostly critical for engine cooling hose, but might also be important for pressurized hot water systems.
FDA-approval: Hose used in potable (drinking) water systems must be constructed from safe, non-toxic materials that are contamination- and corrosion-free.
Bend radius: For proper installation a hose should not be bent more than the minimum bend radius recommended by the manufacturer to avoid kinks and breakage. Especially important for sewage lines and bilge pump applications.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website marine hoses manufacturer.
Sometimes a lubricant is needed to install a hose onto a fitting.
Hoses are sized by their inside diameter (ID). Hose fittings are labeled based upon the ID of the hose they fit. In other words, the outside diameter of a 1/2" barbed elbow is liable to measure slightly greater than 1/2", but it will fit 1/2" ID. hose just fine. Smooth bore hose is recommended for all applications, since corrugated hose can reduce flow by as much as 30%. Hose needs to be matched to the fittings on pump, through-hull, deck fill, tank, etc. See below for some sizing guidelines. Some popular diameters by application:
Marine hose clamps are stainless bands that compress hose around barbed fittings. They can be made from a variety of metals, but quality ones are all stainless steel, including the screw, band, and other parts. T-Bolt hose clamps are much stronger and have a 360° clamping surface. They are used in applications with high pressure, heat, vibration, or other severe requirements, like exhaust systems. Two clamps are recommended for below-waterline connections. Thru-hulls, hose lube & sealant, etc. may be necessary to make a hose fit and complete your marine plumbing system.
What types of hoses are used on boats?
Marine hoses include fuel hoses, sanitation hoses, bilge hoses, and water hoses. Each is designed to withstand specific environmental and operational demands.
What makes marine hoses different from standard hoses?
Marine hoses resist UV rays, saltwater, and pressure variations, and meet strict safety standards. They are essential for reliable and safe use aboard boats.
How do I choose the correct hose diameter?
Match the hose diameter to the fittings and flow requirements of your system. Using the wrong size can lead to leaks or reduced efficiency.
What is the significance of hose reinforcement?
Reinforced hoses handle higher pressures and resist collapse in suction applications. Braided or spiral reinforcements are common in fuel and water hoses.
How do I ensure a secure hose connection?
Use marine-grade clamps and fittings. Double-clamping is recommended in critical systems like fuel or sanitation lines to prevent leaks.
What materials are used in marine hoses?
Common materials include rubber, PVC, and reinforced polyurethane. Choose according to the application for which the hose is designed, which may require resistance to fuel, chemicals, or temperature extremes.
How do I maintain marine hoses?
Inspect regularly for cracks, swelling, or brittleness. Replace hoses showing wear, and ensure clamps remain tight and corrosion-free.
What are the signs a marine hose needs replacing?
Visible cracks, bulging, or stiffening are warning signs. Fuel and sanitation hoses may also emit odors when degraded.
At West Marine, we&#;re here to help you make every moment on the water count. With expert advice, premium gear, and over 230 stores ready to serve you, we&#;ve got more of everything you need for unforgettable boating adventures. Use our store finder to locate a West Marine store near you.
For more Marine sanitation hose for sanitation solutionsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.