Ballast question...3/4" ID hose?

(tl7) · (tl7) **Join Date: Feb 2005** 02-03-2008, 10:43 AM

Any place online you guys use to get this stuff? Had it at the local hardware store, but it was heater hose and had white writing all over it. Figured you guys would know a good place to get it by the foot.

Also, I'm switching out the factory bag for a Fly High Pro X sac. Problem is, the factory sac has the 3 fill connections on the ends; the new sac has one connection on the end and two on the top. Thus the need for the hose. My question...can I fill and empty from one connection? What would I need to do this? Currently I have one hose for fill, one for drain, and one for vent.

(mikeski) · (mikeski) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 02-03-2008, 11:19 AM

I like to use the the plastic electrical flexible conduit, it's just over 3/4" ID so you need to good clamps to maintain seals. It does not collapse and flows well.

Another option is the white spiral semi-transparent hose that Tanks and More sells on e-bay (item 6242034231). It is slightly under 3/4" ID so you need to heat it a bit to get it on the fittings. Once it's on the fittings you do not even need clamps.

The clear vinyl gets milky in one season, the cross fiber reinforced vinyl collapses under suction in the heat (a concern if you run impeller pumps).

(lovin_the_wake)

I'm using 1" ID braided heater hose for filling and draining and 3/4" ID braided heater hose for overflow and it seems to work really well and it's available at most automotive stores

(xpjim1) · (xpjim1) **Join Date: Apr 2005** 02-03-2008, 1:48 PM

Go to www.boatfix.com . Search bilge hose. Many choices to choose from

(trace) · (trace) **Join Date: Feb 2002** 02-03-2008, 3:18 PM

Spa-flex (basically flexible sch 40 PVC pipe) is good stuff, but stiff and hard to work with. There is some spiral ribbed hose in the plumbing section of Lowe's that I've been thinking of switching to. More flexible than Spa-flex.

(99sportster) · (99sportster) **Join Date: Oct 2005** 02-03-2008, 9:29 PM

I upgraded my ballast system last winter and found lower prices from this website-it is very similar to the ballast hose used by Malibu.

http://www.flexpvc.com/cart/agora.cgi?product=3_Flex_PVC_Pipe_1_inch

(denverd1)

I've used a little of the spiral ribbed stuff from lowe's, its pretty good. most of my system is done with braid-reinforced clear vinyl, on an aerator system. works great in that application.