We pulled the engine and transmission this winter to repair a minor transmission oil leak that started last summer and wasn't going to fix itself. With rare easy access to the engine compartment, I decided it was a good opportunity to replace the crumbling 32 year old insulation panels. In typical "while we're at it" mode, I found a half dozen other little projects in there. Including the topic of this post -- replacing a shaft log hose that has probably been there since the P.O. replaced the prop shaft about 20 years ago, if not longer.
It was not leaking, shows no signs of cracking, and is soft and flexible. Just thought I'ld be pro-active with something that would be a bigger job when the engine is back in place. So, I remove this 5" length of hose and take it to my local marine store to get new solid SS hose clamps and find a match for the hose, which they have -- 1 5/8" dia. exhaust water hose -- sold by the foot for a little over $7/ft. No complaint about the cost or the extra 7", but here's what kind of made me wonder.
The sales person, an older gentleman who looks and sounds like he could be an experienced boater, says "This hose is fine. There is no need to replace it. You are wasting $7." While I appreciate his honesty in not trying to sell me something he thought I didn't need, I'm not sure I trust his judgement on this. So, my questions are…. What is the life expectancy of this type of hose (Fresh water boat, on the hard 6 months/year, if that matters.)….and, what would you do?
It was not leaking, shows no signs of cracking, and is soft and flexible. Just thought I'ld be pro-active with something that would be a bigger job when the engine is back in place. So, I remove this 5" length of hose and take it to my local marine store to get new solid SS hose clamps and find a match for the hose, which they have -- 1 5/8" dia. exhaust water hose -- sold by the foot for a little over $7/ft. No complaint about the cost or the extra 7", but here's what kind of made me wonder.
The sales person, an older gentleman who looks and sounds like he could be an experienced boater, says "This hose is fine. There is no need to replace it. You are wasting $7." While I appreciate his honesty in not trying to sell me something he thought I didn't need, I'm not sure I trust his judgement on this. So, my questions are…. What is the life expectancy of this type of hose (Fresh water boat, on the hard 6 months/year, if that matters.)….and, what would you do?
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