Bronze Nipples

[Garry at S/V TASHTEGO]

I need a mail order (and preferably internet enabled) source for 3/4" NPT bronze pipe nipples. West Marine and BoatUS both sell red brass but not bronze nipples. I have several of these in TASHTEGO where I would feel much safer with bronze nipples, for example, between my engine cooling water sea cock and the raw water strainer. The West advisor notes cheerfully that they don't sell them but gives no reason why. I suspect they want me to use pipe to hose fittings at both ends and a short length of hose but this requires hose, four hose clamps and two bronze fittings where a simple nipple would do. Lotta help they are. I also need bronze 3/4" male pipe to 5/8" hose fittings which are also very hard to find. If you can let me know where to find them I'd be most grateful.

 

[RonD]

Try a Commercial Yard

GarryI understand your frustration. At least West Marine is open about the type of metal they are selling -- other firms might not be.I'd suggest chatting with a commercial boatyard/builder/chandlery. Should be plenty along the MD shore!My experience has been that they are generally willing to advise you or help out if you catch them at a time when they aren't too busy. If they don't have the parts, they probably have the supplier catalogs. Just knowing who manufactures the parts is half the battle in your internet search. I had one guy actually give me a part once, saying the sales paperwork & back-room labor would cost more than it was worth.--Ron