Best water hose for the dock?

Jim 5757 · Apr 24, 2016

We've tried many different hoses over years but the white ones seem to be the best and longest lasting.

Terry Cox · Apr 24, 2016

When we took possession of Belle-Vie in 2002 the PO was using a 100' green garden hose. Unsure how old it was then, but it is still in use today. Keep it coiled up on the dock in all weather. A bit stiff when cold but still very serviceable.

We've tried those new fangled expandable versions you see advertised on TV. Even the new and improved ones. They last through a few uses then start to leak or break at the fittings. Will not waste my money on those ever again.

JohnVTX · Apr 24, 2016

This is awesome, we finally get to give Jackdaw advice and I have none.

Cowpokee · Apr 24, 2016

Jim 5757 said:
We've tried many different hoses over years but the white ones seem to be the best and longest lasting.

White ones are what we use on RV's because they don't add any unpleasant taste to the water

Padrone · Apr 24, 2016

Using a "white" hose is working well, coiled up around a garden hose holder attached to the power supply/light box.

Stu Jackson · Apr 24, 2016

Jackdaw said:
the expandable models but the reviews are all over the place

Jack, I haven't read a good one, anywhere, and you know I read a lot of different forums.

The garden hose holder on the dock has worked for us for many years in different marinas.

Many folks prefer the "drinking safe" white hose. I never bothered. I just make sure to use the hose to wash the boat first and run a lot of water through it and the pipes on the dock to get as fresh water as I can before i fill the tanks. I use the tanks on the boat for drinking and cooking and never have added bleach or anything else. Never had a problem in 18 years with this boat. Like you, we use the boat a lot.

We have a 50 foot length of black higher quality garden hose. The hose has been great for 16 of our 18 year and the only thing I have to replace are the nozzles every few years.

Gunni · Apr 24, 2016

What is the hitch using a traditional woven, lined hose? We have a utility hook on the pile next to the boat and use 3 or 4 big loops. You want a hose that is rated for potable water, otherwise you are putting nasty plasticisers into your tank. BPA is one of the worst, but vinyl cloride is not a health enhancer either.

Don S/V ILLusion · Apr 24, 2016

The leaching of plasticizers is of little real effect especially if one runs the hose for a short time before consuming the water.
Of greater concern is the fact that the so-called "safe" white hose is translucent. Some people can have adverse reactions to the various forms of algae growth which occurs because light can enter the hose. Additionally, the growth, if severe, can clog filters making them less effective, especially the ubiquitous carbon filters often seen around docks.

Given all the other things boats require on a periodic basis, a new garden hose every year seems not worth the consternation.

Justin_NSA · Apr 24, 2016

We use a 'white' hose and inline hose filter for the potable water tank. We have one of those collapsible black hoses for washing the boat. So far no leaks, and is does collapse nicely to fit in the dock box.

jssailem · Apr 24, 2016

Jack, We have had 3 of those disposable/expandable hoses. Maybe good for a season. Guess the "dock hose" is a wash hose. Not sure I would leave a hose on the dock and use it for filling the water tanks. Find a decent one at a box store that meets your price range and use it till you can not. I've had ones that cracked and I cut off the ends and replaced the fittings. Eventually, they all see the dumpster. Rubber are heavy but last. Expandable are light weight but the term durability is not seen in the marketing/promotion material. At least it should not be.

quadrille38 · Apr 24, 2016

Don't do the expandable hoses. They say right on the box - do not leave them exposed to sunlight. They won't hold up and will blow a hole in them. They aren't good when dragged causing abrasion or when kinked either. They will blow. They are wonderful for an in the locker traveling hose but again do not drag them across rough surfaces, kink them or leave them in the sun.

Pat · Apr 24, 2016

We have been using an expandable hose (blue) on the dock for two years....I use it, then stow it back in the anchor locker or dock box. No issues, but I do not leave it out in the sun...they have a way of transporting
themselves to other slips....

jssailem · Apr 24, 2016

Great choice... Now if left on dock, hope that none of your fellow dockmates don't use the food grade hose to suck bilge water from their boat - in an emergency of course.

Ken Cross · Apr 24, 2016

for easy storage I once had a hose that flattens onto a reel, sorta like a fire hose. It worked well until it started leaking. The small volume storage was the advantage. Now I just use 2 white 25 footers.

Ken

Mark Maulden · Apr 24, 2016

Would like to know how well the Camco coils.....

druid · Apr 24, 2016

A problem I had with the expandable hose (if it's what I think it is...) is that if there's no obstruction at the end (like a nozzle), there's no pressure in the hose and it shrinks. I had a tug-of-war with ours when using it to fill the hot-tub. Pretty much useless, I'd say...

druid

BigEasy · Apr 24, 2016

I have noticed that many manufacturers have discontinued using brass end fittings on their hoses. Bought a new hose from one of the big box store two years ago that has non brass fittings. The hose has thick walls and doesn't kink; paid about $30 for 50'. The fittings are now oxidizing and make it more difficult to attach to the water spigot and more difficult to attach nozzles. I would think that these non brass hose fittings would deteriorate more severely in a marine / salt water environment. Next hose that I purchase will definitely have brass end fittings.

Best water hose for the dock?

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SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

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SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

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