Selecting Marine Hoses

By Tom Burden, Last updated: 11/26/

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Mind the hose!

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.

 

Selection Questions

What fluid or application do you need the hose for?

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 Hoses

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.

Drain Hoses

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..

Freshwater Supply Hoses

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

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 System Hoses

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.

 

What to Look For When Choosing Marine Hose

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.

 

Sometimes a lubricant is needed to install a hose onto a fitting.

Choosing the Right Hose Diameter

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:

• Bilge pumps: 3/4", 1 1/8", 1 1/2", or 2"
• Deck fill/discharge: 1 1/2"
• Gasoline feed: 1/4" to 3/8" depending on engine size.

Choosing Hose Clamps

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.

Installation tips

• Most boats use flexible vinyl or rubber hose and barbed fittings secured by hose clamps. You may find it easier to install hoses over barbed fittings if you place the hose in hot water first and use liquid soap as a lubricant.
• Threaded fittings should be wrapped with thin plastic Teflon tape or some other sealing liquid prior to assembly, to seal tiny gaps in the threaded connection.
• In household applications, plastic pipe and fittings are solvent welded with PVC pipe cement. This technique is not recommended on boats because pounding and vibration might cause fatigue and failure of these connections.
• Use double hose clamps on hose to pipe connections below the waterline for extra security. Make sure to use hose barbs long enough to give both clamps some gripping surface.
• Connect fittings of the same material within a system because thread styles and inter-thread distances will match. In addition, rigid bronze fittings have been known to split weaker plastic fittings when they are being tightened.
• Normal green color is not a problem on an aging bronze fitting. A pink or red color, on the other hand, is an indication of galvanic corrosion.

The company is the world’s best marine hoses manufacturer supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Marine Hose Application Guide

&#;&#;&#; Excellent &#;&#; Good service in normal applications &#; Good service with proper installation. May not be suitable in all applications NR - Not recommended NA - Not available in size range 1 - Can easily be bent into tight radius 2 - Can be bent into gradual radius 3 - May kink in applications requiring bend radius

Fresh Water System

Series Name Non-Pressurized Supply Pressurized Hot Pressurized Cold Water Tank Fill Drain Line Below Waterline Drain Line to Sump or Above Waterline Water Tank Vent Flexibility Series 162 Polyester Reinforced / Clear PVC Tubing &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; 2 Series 150 Clear PVC Tubing &#;&#; NR NR &#; NR &#;&#; &#;&#; 2 Series 148 Multi-Purpose Vinyl Hose NA NR NR &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; 2 Series 141 Multiflex Hose &#; NR NR &#;&#;&#; NR &#;&#;&#; &#; 1

Sanitation System

Series Name Toilet To Holding Tank Holding Tank Pumpout Holding Tank To Overboard Discharge Toilet Water Inlet Holding Tank Vent Flexibility Series 105 Poly X Sanitation Hose &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; NA NA 1 Series 101 No-Odor Super Head Hose &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; NA NA 1 OdorSafe + OdorSafe&#; Plus Hose &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; NA NA 1 Series 148 Multi-Purpose Vinyl Hose &#;&#; / &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; 2 Series 162 Polyester Reinforced Clear PVC Tubing NA NA NA &#;&#;&#; NA 2

Engine Hose

Series Name Engine Intake Generator Intake Exhaust Coolant Hose/Limited Bend Exhaust Coolant Hose/Severe Bend Exhaust Water Injection Flexibility Series 262 Corrugated Nautaflex Silicone Exhaust Hose &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; 1 Series 202V Hi-Temp Silicone Exhaust & Water Hose NR NR &#;&#;&#; NR &#; 3 Series 250 Shieldsflex II Marine Water/Exhaust Hose &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; 1 Series 200 Exhaust/Water Hose NR &#; &#;&#;&#; NR &#;&#; 3 Series 130 Heater Hose NR NR &#;&#; NR NR 3 Series 135 Heavy-Duty Water Hose NR &#; &#;&#; NR &#;&#; 3 Series 160 Water Hose NR &#;&#; &#;&#;&#; NR &#;&#; 2

Wet Exhaust System

Series Name Straight Pipe Connector less than 4 x hose ID Straight Pipe Connector more than 4 x hose ID Moderate Bend Severe Bend Flexibility Series 262 Corrugated Nautaflex Silicone Exhaust Hose &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; 1 Series 202V Hi-Temp Silicone Exhaust & Water Hose &#;&#;&#; &#; NR NR 3 Series 200 Exhaust/Water Hose &#;&#;&#; &#; NR NR 3 Series 250 Shieldsflex II Marine Water/Exhaust Hose &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#; 2 Series 252 Shieldsaust&#;C &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; 1

Fuel System

Series Name Oil Tank Fill Fuel Tank Fill Fuel Feed Inboard/IO Fuel Feed Outboard Fuel Tank Vent Inboard Fuel Tank Vent Outboard Flexibility Series 331 Silverado N/A N/A N/R &#;&#;&#; N/A N/A 2 Series 350 Type A2 Fuel Fill Hose &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; N/A N/A N/A N/A 1 Series 355 Type A2 Fuel Fill Hose &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; N/A N/A N/A N/A 1 Series 315 Silverado Outboard Fuel Hose N/A N/A N/R &#;&#;&#; &#; &#;&#;&#; 2 Series 368 Low Permeation Marine Fuel Hose N/A N/A &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; N/A N/A 1 Series 369 Type A2 Fuel Vent Hose N/A N/A N/R N/R &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; 1

Bilge/Livewell

Series Name Submersible Bilge Pump Remote Bilge Pump Hand Bilge Pump Livewell Inlet Livewell Drain Above Waterline Livewell Drain Below Waterline Flexibility Series 148 Multi-Purpose Vinyl Hose &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; 2 Series 141 Multiflex Hose &#;&#;&#; &#;&#; &#;&#;&#; N/R &#;&#; N/R 1 Series 140 VAC Standard &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#;&#; &#;&#; &#;&#; &#; 1 Series 120 Bilgeflex Hose &#;&#; N/R &#; N/R N/R N/R 1

Marine Hose FAQs

• 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.

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There is no such thing as an all-purpose hose on a boat. No single hose type can withstand engine exhaust, bring freshwater to the galley, safely transport gasoline to the carburetor, drain the cockpit, and flush the head. Using the wrong hose can cause problems that range from an inconvenient mess to a burning boat. This handy run-down will help you identify one type of hose from another and assist in choosing the right hose for the job at hand. We'll start with a visual guide to common marine hoses, then go into more detail about each type. (See photo above).

1. Exhaust hose. Able to withstand temperatures to around 250 F, an exhaust hose is often reinforced with wire, which may be stainless, or other special reinforcement. Other, more expensive silicone hoses are capable of sustaining much higher temperatures.

2. Hot and cold PEX potable water pipe. Many modern boats use PEX tubing for hot and cold plumbing. PEX is available in three distinct grades: A, B, and C. Although all are perfectly acceptable for potable water, Grade A is the most flexible and easiest to run in the tight confines of a boat. Fittings are easy to connect to the pipe, although you may need special tools. PEX is not the only option for potable water, however (see 6).

3. Sanitation hose. Often white, with a smooth bore to prevent trapping waste that could lead to odors, sanitation hose has an expected lifespan of approximately 10 years.

4. Corrugated bilge pump hose. This cheap hose is often supplied with bilge pumps. While easy to run, cut, and bend, its ridged internal structure restricts flow, making it a poor choice.

5. Smooth-bore bilge pump hose. Although four times the price of corrugated types, smooth-bore bilge pump hose offers up to 30 percent greater efficiency.

6. Potable water hose. Potable water hose comes in both reinforced and non-reinforced types. They're easy to tell apart as the reinforced hose will have strong synthetic cord strands visible. This one is clear but opaque is generally a better choice for potable water because there is less chance of algae growing inside.

7. Fuel hose. Fuel hose must be marked as such and will be stamped A1, A2, B1, or B2. Older hoses are incompatible with fuel containing ethanol, so if yours is older than about 10 years, it's most likely due for replacement anyway.

8. Thru-hull hose. For any connections to thru-hulls, reinforced hose is the only way to go. A cheap hose may fail and sink your boat.

Fuel Hose

Properties: Chemical resistance and low permeability

For more information, please visit Marine sanitation hose for sanitation solutions.