Spiral Hose for water strainer question

[ithet]

I am fitting a new Vetus 330 water strainer on to my engine intake. Last year I had a number of blockages in the old bronze tube type, and want to make checking for weed and clearing as easy as possible.

I would like some advice on the hose. I have purchased some SS spiral reinforced clear hose as this seemed the best option giving strength and ability to see what was inside (the ordinary reinforced clear hose can collapse apparently). However, this tubing seems to be quite stiff, and I am worried that it will put too much strain on the plastic lugs of the strainer especially when the normal engine vibration is added. I have routed it as straght onto the fitting as possible, but there will always be some residual twist. Have others used this hose on a Vetus strainer, any problems or not? Does this type of hose get more flexible in use? Vetus instructions just call for "flexible" hose. My original intake had the black heating hose type but this is too short for the new position.

Thanks.

 

[Tranona]

That is the correct type of hose to use. If you are able to site the strainer immdiately above the intake there is no bend on the intake side and there should be enough length back to the waterpump for a smooth curve. An alternative hose is the MW type (Vetus p122) which will bend to a tighter radius, but is not clear.

 

[Pete735]

I have a vetus strainer and clear spirally wound hose as you are considering, set up has been on the boat since before I had it (at least 10 years) and has not been a problem.

Hose is very stiff and I annually remove the end to the inlet to plumb the dehumifier into the skin fitting and have never had a problem. Hose certainly does not get any more flexible in use I'm afraid. I hope this helps.

 

[ithet]

Tranona, Pete, thanks for info.

I thought that it was the proper stuff to use. Was worried about damaging the plastic Vetus hose connections over time, it would be a major problem if one broke. Obviously one should expect them to be up to the job though! I cannot position immediatly above inlet, so hose has to curve to position above engine. I will try and put relief clips against bulkhead to take as much strain out as possible.