Exhaust maintenance question

[Seafarer31]

Hello, I would like to know if anyone could suggest or review a marina or mechanic in the Annapolis area that has done exhaust work. I have a Seafarer 31 and I need to replace the exhaust pipe between the manifold and muffler. Currently the flex pipe wrapped in fiberglass is leaking. I was told that it would be best to replace it with a stainless steel pipe that will last much longer that any flex pipe will. Any comments or experience with the two different pipes would be appreciated. I am guessing the stainless will be much more expensive as it will have to be custom bent to fit my boat compared to a simple flex pipe.


Thanks in advance
/)

[T37Chef]

White Marsh Diesel - Jim Stiz

Cant find his #, I will look on the boat tomorrow.

[negrini]

Get out of stainless steel ! It has the shortest life for that piece of exaust. There are many articles on the web regarding this, but in summary, exhaust at this point create sulphuric acid as gases mix with salt water, corroding the majority of known carbon component, in special the vulnerable soldering points you make to match the bent. Don Casey says Titanium would be the only option not prone to such corrosion, but imagine the price. Go for flexible rubber reinforced with wire (nitrille is the best) that you can bent at your need or moulded fiberglass. WestMarine sells both in many sizes and many popular angles. But in US, that should be very simple to find exhaust hoses in a near store ....

[jrd22]

Not familiar with your boat but generally you need a flexible hose between the engine and muffler because of the vibration. The engine will shake on it's flexible mounts while the muffler is generally mounted solid.

John

[T37Chef]

Found it: I highly recommend him, professional mechanic. Just wait till you see how clean his truck is.

White Marsh Diesel, Inc.
Jim Stitz
443-791-9399
stitz257 (at) comcast.net

[chucklesR]

There is a reason it is flexible now - it is supposed to be and is the standard, not a standard, THE standard - stainless is the worst possible option who ever gave you that advice was mis-informed or hoping to do the work.

If you have any mechanical skills this is something you can do yourself in a fairly in-expensive morning of work. Do not forget to double clamp.

Trident Marine: Wet Exhaust

[Seafarer31]

Thanks for the responses.
I am surprised to hear that stainless is not the correct choice.
Thanks also for the links and contacts. I think I may give it a shot and replace it myself.