What's the best dinghy fuel hose specification?

[poiu]

I have to replace my dinghy fuel hose again as it is cracking only 2.5 years since it was last done. Far too soon in my view. Last time I got a reinforced rubber fuel hose made to a specification normally used for vehicle fuel hose.

I suspect the specification is really not the best one. I need a fuel hose capable of withstanding the harsh Caribbean sun. I could cover it up with a fabric sheath I suppose.

Isn't there a good hose specification or make out there? Has anyone got any tips?

[a64pilot]

Wire loom, it's that split plastic corrugated tube you see on wires to prevent chafing.
I used it to cover my hydraulic steering hoses on my last boat as UV rotted them in a couple of years and losing steering on plane was no fun.
That and hose meant for fuel injection is a lot stronger and way more expensive, not sure it is more UV resistant though, but wire loom is and it's cheap.
Can be bought at auto parts sores by the foot.

[poiu]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Wire loom, it's that split plastic corrugated tube you see on wires to prevent chafing.
I used it to cover my hydraulic steering hoses on my last boat as UV rotted them in a couple of years and losing steering on plane was no fun.
That and hose meant for fuel injection is a lot stronger and way more expensive, not sure it is more UV resistant though, but wire loom is and it's cheap.
Can be bought at auto parts sores by the foot.

Yes, that could work. I also have spiral wrap I use for tidying up electrical cables . The reason I would prefer not to cover it up is it is easy at a glance to see when it starts to crack. A removal and re-install adds work I'd rather avoid. You've prompted me for another post on hydraulic hoses.

[SVNeko]

5/8" double braid cover

[Jim Cate]

FWIW, the OEM fuel hose that came with my current Yamaha 15 is now 11 years old, has been in constant use in high UV areas and is still flexible and uncracked. Dunno what its spec is, but you could source your replacement via Yamaha.

Jim

[poiu]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

FWIW, the OEM fuel hose that came with my current Yamaha 15 is now 11 years old, has been in constant use in high UV areas and is still flexible and uncracked. Dunno what its spec is, but you could source your replacement via Yamaha.

Jim

That's a useful to know. I'll look further.

[TurninTurtle]

Do not use hydraulic hose for fuel.

Gasoline needs a different rubber compound than is appropriate for hydraulic oil.

Diesel fuel also needs different hose than gasoline or hydraulic fluid.

And different hydraulic fluids can change what hose material is best...

The wrong hose type can potentially fail in HOURS. (or minutes)

[FSMike]

I routinely cover the dinghy fuel tank (and most of the fuel line) with an old towel or rag donated for the purpose. Keeps the sun damage to a minimum.

[reed1v]

Once you get a hose specific for gasoline, just paint it with vinyl paint. Just be sure to get gasoline approved hosing. Synthetic and natural materials react differently to gas then they do to diesel. Diesel will rot a lot of stuff. Gas will cause a lot of stuff to crack.