Cracked drain tubes
 

What is the easiest way to replace cracking bronze drain tubes? I was hoping to maybe use a different product for replacement. Also, if replaced with brass how do you flare the end?

Re: Cracked drain tubes
 

I've ordered the brass tubes from Boat Owners Warehouse, but other marine supply places probably have or can get them. I've used a theaded rod, nuts, washers and a tapered 1/2" drive socket to flare the tube, finished up with a little ball peen hammer work. Some guys heat the tubes first to be sure they're in annealed condition, but I've never had any problem with them cracking. I suspect they're already annealed, as they're clearly intended to be flared after installation!

Re: Cracked drain tubes
 

Thanks. I'll let you know how it goes.

Re: Cracked drain tubes
 

BOW also sells a flaring tool just for that purpose. You'll have to change out the 3/8 bolt that comes with it, though. It's only made to go through up to a 3' transom, and you'll need a 7" bolt to do the vertical deck-to-hull scuppers.

DO NOT count on the tubes being annealed. I put mine in and one of them cracked while being flared.

Re: Cracked drain tubes
 

It's brass tube.I replaced several on my old Whaler. Bought tube material from McMaster Carr, cut to length plus some, heat end red-red and immidiately quench in water to anneal (twice), flare end with tow ball/hammer, cut final end to length plus 1/4"-3/8" for last flange, anneal, install with 5200 (and o-rings for Whaler). I never got the tool to work well or the position didn't allow the use of it. Buy the 36" tubes and practice a little. The second flare (installed) is the most difficult.

Re: Cracked drain tubes
 

Is there any reason you wouldn't want to just use a flexible hose and through hull fitting for this rather than replacing it with the brass tube again?

Re: Cracked drain tubes
 

My brother and I did three last night, the two x-long deck drains and one in the front storage comparment (we did the other two last week). We used the tool that Fr. Frank mentioned (see link below). Make sure you put the brass washers in the approprate sequence on the tool...if not, it can be quite a fight. Same goes for cutting to length...cut too long...makes for a lot of work.

Lastly, it's possible to make them too tight...don't ask.
:D

Here's a link to the tool...
http://www.marinepowerservice.com/bo...roductID=11405

Re: Cracked drain tubes
 

I will be purchasing this tool very soon. Thanks!