[sailak]

The boat is currently equipped with the hard plastic Seatech type potable water tubing. I am considering changing to the PVC type clear tubing unless someone can convince me that I shouldn't.

What I don't like about the Seatech type tubing is the need to use the quick connect fittings. I fear needing to repair/replace/change something and not being able to get the needed fittings.

I much prefer just using a good old hose clamp for making connections.

Any compelling reason to not change to the PVC tubing? or keep the quick connect style? (Work involved is going to be mute, I'm going to have the salon floorboards out to remove the keel tank so I will have easy access to run the lines.

Thanks for you thoughts. (-5F this morning, need to think about boat things instead of the ice and snow)

 

[overbored]

one thing to consider is the resistance to things like fuel oil and salt water on the outside of the tubing. nothing special or marine about Sea Tech. Sea Tech is just poly tubing and fittings the same stuff that they sell at all home improvement stores

 

[Capt Len]

After plumbing a couple of houses and my boat, I really got to like the hard pvc and crimp furrel fittings .Quick ,cheap and easy to go to npt or hose barb. A crimping tool is maybe $30 so worth while to have it onboard and a good assortment of t's, el's,bands etc is great for fix or modify later. (just a hacksaw) Two sizes of fittings (the little barbs are different) may still available for old and new pipe. Not interchangeable.

 

[Whitebread117]

Stick with the sea tech. Much stronger than any PVC tube that'd be soft enough for hose clamps. Post above is right quick connects are super easy to source from home improvement type places, also industrial supply houses like Grainger and McMaster Carr. Grab a handful before you head out and you're good for years. They even make quick connect to barb fittings for emergency boonies repair.

I've installed and maintained the sea tech type quick connect tubing in food grade industrial applications. It is less flexible than soft tubing but hands down tougher, more abrasion resistant, and less likely to fail.

Only caveat is freezing- soft PVC has a bit of give and sometimes survives, where sea tech type semi rigid tube and fittings don't. But if you are concerned about freezing you've made a poor choice in destination

 

[capta]

Our Pearson has Seatech or something similar and they've been on her since 1981. I've had to replace a couple of the fittings (easily found and replaced) but the tubing seems just fine after 34 years. Don't think it will be a problem for you if yours last nearly that long, do you?
Built my watermaker lines w/the Seatech style pipe and ends and really liked it. No more hose clamps for me, whenever possible!