[deniseO30]

I really need to replace it. it's pretty long in my boat and the convoluted tubing is all black with mold. I'' thinking 5/8" (will check the size) ID clear for the task?

I bilge water was a block of ice this year! somehow I did not get it pumped out enough when the cold weather hit. Need to replace the float switch too. ice broke a wire out of it.

 

[pdqaltair]

I really need to replace it. it's pretty long in my boat and the convoluted tubing is all black with mold. I'' thinking 5/8" (will check the size) ID clear for the task?

I bilge water was a block of ice this year! somehow I did not get it pumped out enough when the cold weather hit. Need to replace the float switch too. ice broke a wire out of it.

a. Who cares that there is mold in the bilge? Just work on getting the bilge dry. Now, cracks or advanced age are good reasons.

b. The clear tubing is very prone to kinking and collapsing (several bad experiences, of course). It is a very poor and risky choice for bilge pump lines. Even if it doesn't kink while you are installing it, it will kink within a few weeks. This is a place you need reliability.

 

[deniseO30]

oh that old kinky thing... guess I'll stay with a convoluted .. well the boat is up for sale. and everyone wants pretty LOL I'll clean up the the old i guess.

 

[THEFRENCHA]

Kinking?
Have about 20 feet of it since 5 years and never had any kinking!
Was a necessity since boat in water during winter and makes it easier to find the frozen parts . I then warp the frozen section with a towel and let it soak with boiling water .
Electric tea kettle is an absolute necessity this time of year!

 

[CalebD]

I think I know that ABYC does not recommend clear tubing for bilge water purposes. That said, I used some of the re-inforced clear tubing and have had no problems since (5+ years ago). Sure looks nice too PLUS it really is smooth unlike that white ribbed crap.
Benefits: cheap, easy to work with, easy to replace & install, mold/mildew loves dark spaces but clear tubing lets in some light. Ok, so maybe it ends up on a quicker replacement schedule, but it is cheaper, easier ... etc.

Most bilge pump gph ratings are well overstated for your average sailboat installation (head + distance + turns). Why add ribbed tubing into the mix to further reduce their effectiveness?

(Ducks and hides waiting for the MaineSail ABYC rant)
;-)

 

[deniseO30]

I was thinking clear reinenforced to!