Peggie Hall wrote:
Most clear hoses are not rated for below-waterline connections...so be
careful where you use non-"marine grade" hoses.

Hi Peggy:

You raised a question I have been think about lately. When people say
for "below the water line" applications, just what does that mean? 100%
immersion 100% of the time such as hose connected to an under the water
through hull or a low spot in a hose run that allows pooled liquid.
Does that also apply to a bilge intake and discharge hose which are
only seldom and intermittently immersed yet live "below the
waterline" in a normally dry area?

I realize that installations vary and some bilges are a rather
disgusting wet place but on the other hand, there are the painted white
guys who dust their bilge out every few months. In my case, the bilge
hose I use is that " PVC suction hose" I mentioned. It is reinforced
with a PVC coil, smooth inside, with wall thickness about 1/4." Very
smooth and extraordinarily stout.

But on my boat, the bilge discharge side carries water for only a few
seconds a few times each day depending on what's happening. If at the
dock, months go by without the bilge tripping on. The suction side may
be moist but not immerged for more than a few minutes.

What concerns should I have regarding pvc used in a relatively dry
place under the water line? Come to think about it I think I sit
"below the water line" most of the time. The big problem I have is
adding more combustible stuff to the boat. But hey, the boat is nothing
but plastic and wood anyway. Poof!

Bob