Considerations When Selecting Marine Fuel Hose

 

Constant innovation in boating accessories, navigation equipment and marine hardware have made boating easier and provided the opportunity for many to enjoy getting out on the water except when it comes to fuel. Many boaters will agree that the decision to add alcohol to the fuel has presented boater with copious amount of heartburn or more. The days when gasoline just went old are long past, now if the gasoline is not used up quicky the potential for costly damage is very real together with possible breakdowns. One of the known issues from using E10 or greater gasoline formulations is that it rapidly deteriorates fuel line components such as the fuel hoses. A new boat with the best marine fuel hose available is still subject to the problems introduced from E10 gasoline such as the inner layers separating in time and creating blockages or the particles braking off and clogging filters and jets.

 

Now before the argument is made that if the fuel line has become a consumable item and replace it with any cheap alternative, it is important to remember the dangers of gasoline. Marine grade fuel hose is specifically approved for the use on boats, and this has to do with the permeability and fire resistivity of the product. Now a marine grade ethanol resistant fuel hose has the added feature of the inner liner being more tolerant to fuel blends but unfortunately it does not make the hose fully immune to the degradation from the effects of ethanol. Therefore, when it is decided to replace the fuel hoses, one should only consider top quality marine type fuel hose from manufacturers such as Trident Marine®, Shields Marine® and Parker Hannifin®.

 

Fortunately, diesel is not that severe on approved marine fuel hoses. None the less diesel does affect various types of fuel hoses so periodic inspections are still a good idea with possible replacement. As always, when installing new fuel line, it is important to use only marine approved type hose.

 

Marine Fuel Hose Size

 

Fuel hose is available in various sizes with the size most common to gasoline engines being the 3/8’ marine fuel hose and the 5/8’ marine fuel hose. The required fuel hose over time has increased because of most new engines are fuel injected which require a larger volume of fuel. So, if the vessel is being repowered with a modern engine it might require a makeover of the fuel system in general. Small diesel engines might use a ¼’ fuel hose but this will increase quickly relative to the size of the engine and here again it’s because of the injection system requiring a larger volume of fuel than what is consumed for combustion. Most marine hose is sold in one foot increments, but there are also options for purchasing up to 50' rolls.

 

Marine Fuel Tanks

 

There are many options when considering replacing your boat's fuel tank. Metal tanks: these are still available and have the disadvantage of succumbing to corrosion although they are an easy option for a custom tank. Synthetic tanks: these tanks are value for money, do not have corrosion issues and are available in an abundance of shapes, forms and are also available in bladder type tanks making a retrofit more palatable.

 

Marine Fuel Valves and Fittings

 

Connecting the fuel tanks to valves, filters, and the engine the choice of marine fuel fittings is huge. Whether it is repairing or modifying an existing installation or starting from scratch Go2Marine stocks an impressive line of vents, fittings, and hose for both diesel and gasoline fuel systems.

 

Hose Accessories

 

No fuel project is complete without consumables such as marine hose clamps or cable ties. Selecting the following link will take one to an incredible selection of accessories needed for any hose installation.