Installing new hoses

[Lojanica]

My refit on a 43 ft sailboat's tankage is going well. I am replacing all tanks and hoses. The new hoses are very stiff. I was hoping for expert advice on best practices for fitting the hoses to fittings.

Hot water and lube? What type of lube? What type of clamps? How tight?

I am hoping that this will last 20 years so I am interested in best practices.

Regards and thanks for everyone's help it is much appreciated!!!

[ReMetau]

Sometimes letting them sit in the sun helps soften the hoses. I have also resorted to using blow dryers or heat guns.
Once heated, it usually will lube it up with a little bit of dish soap.
Always use stainless steel clamps, and if on a thru-hull double it up. I make it as tight as I can without stripping it.

[thinwater]

There was a review in Practical Sailor a few months ago.

Also, I posted a good bit here, notes from some of the testing that went into the article, without all of the detail.
Sail Delmarva: The Easy Button

I would argue against "as tight as you can get them." If the clamp leaks with no clamp, generally there is a problem with the barb or the fitting of the hose. Overtightening can hasten clamp failure, and distorts and can cut the hose. With 2 offset clamps there is not need to be more than firm.

[Lojanica]

I had heard overtightening was bad. Which brand of clamps are the best and least likely to cut into the hose?

Thanks for all the input!!!

[SkiprJohn]

Some folks might think this is a weird solution but my answer for installing hoses on fittings when they are tight is using what the drug stores call "personal lubricant." It is water soluble and won't hurt rubber or plastic or neoprene. It also is not too expensive and is very slick with a little bit of water applied.
Good luck.
kind regards,

[bstreep]

We keep a tube of "KY" on hand for a lot of boat projects. For bearings, for instance, it holds them in place, and then plain old water cleans them up.

When choosing stainless hose clamps do NOT buy the ones from an automotive or home center. They are "stainless", but the screws are not! Hose clamps from marine stores are essentially the same price.

[Exile]

Originally Posted by Lojanica

I had heard overtightening was bad. Which brand of clamps are the best and least likely to cut into the hose?

Thanks for all the input!!!

I think the brand of clamp that is considered one of the best (and most expensive) is "ABA".

[GordMay]

Hose clamps should be of 316 Stainless (screw & band), with non-perforated (solid pressed) band, and rolled up band edges.
In larger sizes, T-Bolt clamps are a good alternative to Worm-Gear clamps.

I also recommend AWAB - ABA clamps.

See also Steve D'Antonio’s advice:
➥ http://www.passagemaker.com/componen...lation-and-use

[Lojanica]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Hose clamps should be of 316 Stainless (screw & band), with non-perforated (solid pressed) band, and rolled up band edges.
In larger sizes, T-Bolt clamps are a good alternative to Worm-Gear clamps.

I also recommend AWAB - ABA clamps.

See also Steve D'Antonio’s advice:
➥ Hose Clamp Installation And Use

Sage. Very good article. Regards.

[steamgoat]

And a good place to purchase them is McMaster-Carr. Bruce.