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CapN_Jim · 19-09-2012, 17:15

So it's my first cruise with a passenger and I discovered a leak in my fuel line.
Appears to have just been dry rot, I have a piece of hose approximately the right diameter but it doesnt have the fitting it should one one end.
Started losing light so I sealed it off and am waiting til morning to attempt to use a hose clamp to hold it till I get back to the marina.
Does anyone have any good ideas on what else might work?

We are anchored near the crossroads at St Lucie.....
I'm gonna give it til noon or so and if I can't make the repair I am going to have to call for a delivery....
Anyone know a marina that delivers?

Thanks!

belizesailor · 19-09-2012, 17:23

Post a pic of the hose. Maybe this will give some ideas for repairs. Sometimes you can cut off the custom fittings and replace with off-the-shelf stuff, but of course hard to tell w/out seeing it.

Other jury rigs: larger ID hose slipped over the smaller hose and hose clamped into place, cut out the bad section and replace with unions and hose clamps, self-adhering silicone tape....

Don't know your area but call or hail a marina and ask about hose shops in the area. I've found some great ones out cruising who could make up exactly what was needed.

Cheechako · 19-09-2012, 17:44

I assume it's diesel..? how bad is it dripping? tape it up well, maybe slather on silicone prior? ... and go to the marina. Cant be too far from St Lucie...? (be sure to turn the bilge pump off and put something in there to absorb the stuff!) The doubled up hose with clamps is a good idea. I motored probably 100 miles off and on in Fl trying to find a diesel leak... ended up being a bad tank. or, do you have a planing dingy?

DeepFrz · 19-09-2012, 17:58

If its diesel and you have a heat gun then heat shrink tubing should work if you have a piece large enough to fit over the end fitting.

belizesailor · 19-09-2012, 18:51

Funny, and very Belizean, fuel line repair story: I'm busy prepping for a charter one day and a frustrated cruising buddy of mine walks up with a busted fuel line in his hands. I had just seen "Nolan" the local mechanic at breakfast at a nearby restaurant, so I sent him to the restaurant to find "Nolan". He walks in asks for "Nolan", "Nolan" introduces himself, they look a the hose, "Nolan" makes a call to the "local hose shop" to confirm they can make up the hose, and then tells the guy he can have it made up in a few minutes for $50. My buddy hands him the $50 and off "Nolan" goes to the "local hose shop". Time goes by...during this time the real Nolan has wandered down the docks and is talking to me about a problem on the charter boat. More time goes by...my buddy is getting suspicious so he walks back down to the dock and I introduce him to the real Nolan....and inform him there is no "local hose shop".

However, it ultimately worked out OK because the real Nolan made an easy jury rig repair to the hose and helped him to re-install for about $20.

Welcome to Paradise!

Snkr · 19-09-2012, 19:06

Can't you cut off the ends from the damaged hose and install them on the hose that's good?

**GordMay** · 20-09-2012, 02:50

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Cap'n Jim.

CapN_Jim · 20-09-2012, 04:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snkr

Can't you cut off the ends from the damaged hose and install them on the hose that's good?

After removing the damaged section the hose is to short......

JusDreaming · 20-09-2012, 05:26

Capn Jim
Did you get it fixed?

JusDreaming · 20-09-2012, 05:43

I don't know if is any help but I am at sunset Bay, just past Roosevelt, so if you need land transportation a ride some where let me know.

Vasco · 20-09-2012, 06:40

Towboat US might deliver the part. They make fuel runs. I assume you have towing insurance.

rtbates · 20-09-2012, 06:51

Sail?

Vasco · 20-09-2012, 07:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtbates

Sail?

Have you ever been in the "crossroads" area? Strong currents and shoals abound.

mrohr · 20-09-2012, 07:19

Yes sail, that must be one of the reasons you have a sailboat. Every time you sail yourself out of a difficult situation ,you will not have to call for help so often:saves money too.