best kink-free hose for ballast system?

(naptownwake) · (naptownwake) **Join Date: Jul 2007** 09-05-2009, 5:29 PM

I'm looking to replace the hose that was installed in my boat when I got it.

I'd like to have a good amount of length so I can move the sacks around for surfing.

what is a good, low cost hose to look for that will fit these criterea?

Thanks!

(trace) · (trace) **Join Date: Feb 2002** 09-05-2009, 6:24 PM

It's not low cost, but Spa-Flex (which is essentially flexible PVC pipe) is the best hose I've used. Flow-Rite makes good hose too for a little less cost, but it will kink easier than Spa-Flex.

(naptownwake) · (naptownwake) **Join Date: Jul 2007** 09-05-2009, 9:23 PM

right now, I've got some semi clear hose with criscrossing mesh type of material over it. Similar to what you would see on a sink sprayer extension. Does that make sense?

(lion90) · (lion90) **Join Date: Jul 2009** 09-06-2009, 1:00 AM

I also did mine with the Spa-Flex hose. There is no way that stuff will ever kink and it bends enough to get the job done.

I think for a 1"ID I paid a little over 2 bucks per foot at the Lowes. Both Lowes and Home Depot carry it.

(chpthril) · (chpthril) **Join Date: Oct 2007** 09-06-2009, 8:04 AM

Shields Multiflex hose with wire coil reinforcement or Tigerflex clear vinyl hose with rigid vinyl helix coil reinforcement.

(sailing216) · (sailing216) **Join Date: Oct 2007** 09-06-2009, 8:24 AM

Go to Lowes/HD and get non-metallic electric conduit. It's the same non-kink as the factory.

Cheap too.

(99sportster) · (99sportster) **Join Date: Oct 2005** 09-06-2009, 8:26 AM

Hose used by a lot of the boat manufacturers and a lot cheaper than buying from Lowes/HD.

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

(fman) · (fman) **Join Date: Nov 2008** 09-06-2009, 10:16 AM

This stuff is kink free, I used it on my SUPRA drain lines because they were getting kinked from the weight of the bags. You can order this stuff from www.wakemakers.com, could not find a pic on there website but I did find a picture on a different site.

Its the series 141. Malibu uses it on there boats, its great stuff. $1.69/ft from wakemakers.

http://www.marinehose.net/waterhose.html

Here is the link for what I did when using it for replumbing my SUPRA ballast fill system.

http://www.supraboats.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=4595&highlight=tsunami

(chpthril) · (chpthril) **Join Date: Oct 2007** 09-06-2009, 6:00 PM

The Series 141 is the Shields Multiflex.