Bilge Hose Series

[muddywater]

Simple question - What series of hose would you recommend for bilge pumps? 148? 149? I don't want the corrugated stuff because it disintegrates.

Thanks,
Muddy

[NoBones]

Multi strand braided hose.
Do not know the number, but available at all Marine Supply
Stores. Has red, blue and white strands in it.

See ya, Ken

[WillyC]

Yo Muddy,
Are you getting close to a test ride. If so, call me. I bought some hose on ebay a while back and it looks good to me but as you know it hasn't been field tested yet. It was probably 1/4 the cost of anything in town.

[oldbluesplayer]

some of this depends on what bilge pump size you have, and what the outlet diameter is; ie, what size hose you need, as not all hoses are available in all diameters.

I run a Rule 1500 gph, it has a 1-1/8 outlet.

You're right on the corregated - Do Not Use It !!!! Let me explain - this is a very hard compound plastic, and relatively thin, it gets it flex from the corrugated design, but being hard, it does not clamp down well on the barbed thru hull fitting for the outlet - last summer I literally had mine blow off the thru hull, while in trying circumstances, rendering the bilge pump inoperative, just recycling the water in the bilge, while the thru hull discharge fitting was now an open hole in the side of the boat. I took alot of water in the boat, that day, slogging several hours thru 6 footers trying to get back. I didn't know, till after I pulled the boat out at the ramp, just how close I came to sinking, when I pulled the transom drain, and watched an amazing amount of water come out.

I went to the series 148 (I take it you're looking at the West Marine products) which is softer and thicker walled, and has some compressability, to better be able to grab onto the barbed tailpiece of your thru hull fitting, and double clamped it.

just my .02, and reasons why -

Bill

[muddywater]

Thanks guys. I am looking at a Rule Mate 1100 for my small pump which uses the 1-1/8" (inner dia) hose and haven't figured out what my big pump is going to be yet. I am trying to avoid West Marine due to prices, but I do purchase some stuff there.

Will, I am not ready for a test ride yet. The boat would sink pretty fast if I don't glass in those deck drains that are leaking. I am not sure how much longer the warm weather is going to hold up for fiberglassing so I am going to do some more glassing right now. I spent the afternoon grinding instead of fishing but I might go tomorrow. I will let you know if we are catching.

-Muddy