Lengthening hydraulic steering hoses

Miller · 10 July 2018, 09:06

I don't know if this is the right section so apologies if it isn't.

Just rebuilding the boat and have moved the console.. my hoses are about a metre short. Can I put extensions on the hoses by using male connectors or do I need complete new one piece hoses?

Thanks

Poly · 10 July 2018, 09:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miller

I don't know if this is the right section so apologies if it isn't.

Seems as good a place to ask as any!

Quote:

Just rebuilding the boat and have moved the console.. my hoses are about a metre short. Can I put extensions on the hoses by using male connectors or do I need complete new one piece hoses?

Thanks

Definitely not my area of expertise but it sounds like you are adding a new potential point of failure there. I’d be surprised if the cost of replacing the complete hose was way more than extensions and connectors? Although feeding them through the trunking can be a PITA.

Miller · 10 July 2018, 10:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

Seems as good a place to ask as any!

Definitely not my area of expertise but it sounds like you are adding a new potential point of failure there. I’d be surprised if the cost of replacing the complete hose was way more than extensions and connectors? Although feeding them through the trunking can be a PITA.

The join would be in the console so not a pain if anything did go wrong

jeffstevens763@g · 10 July 2018, 12:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miller

The join would be in the console so not a pain if anything did go wrong

i ve worked extensively with hydraulic stuff over the years it will work just fine so long as you use the same diameter hose, but you are introducing a fail area not that it will all i am saying is its a joint you will probably find its not much dearer to buy the full hose as its the joints that cost, your system will be low rated so should be fairly reasonable i would think. any good hydraulic specialist will guide you like pertex or farm suppliers take a hose along too makes it easier when they start talking technical saves trying to explain.
hyphose use to be in plymouth years ago not sure they are still around

Poly · 10 July 2018, 12:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miller

The join would be in the console so nobody will notice if it starts to leak

FTFY! https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/ejec...oss-of-2-lives

Miller · 10 July 2018, 13:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

FTFY! https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/ejec...oss-of-2-lives

Hang on, my stupid phones predictive text didn't put that right.

It meant to be somebody would notice of it started to leak!!

beamishken · 10 July 2018, 15:54

Depending on the manufacture of the system some use reuseable end fittings so you may only need the required length of hose and do it without a join

simonl · 10 July 2018, 20:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

FTFY! https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/ejec...oss-of-2-lives

Thanks for quoting that. I was searching for it recently to refer someone to it.
Well worth a read. I've not touched my system for many years, other than visual inspection. As a result of bumping into this article many years ago I made a note-to-self to ensure that I would thoroughly service if there was ever any hint of air in the system or any unpredictable movements.

Is there any need to be more thorough than this?

Miller · 10 July 2018, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by beamishken

Depending on the manufacture of the system some use reuseable end fittings so you may only need the required length of hose and do it without a join

Seastar I believe

Davie · 10 July 2018, 20:35

Hypro, specialist smallcraft and aquafax all sell what you require to extend hoses.

Miller · 22 July 2018, 19:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davie

Hypro, specialist smallcraft and aquafax all sell what you require to extend hoses.

Can't find the fittings anywhere... They are a certain Parker fitting and I have only found 2 in the whole country! Gonna look to change the fittings on the ram and helm to something more readily available...if they come off!

beamishken · 22 July 2018, 19:42

Post a picture someone may be able to identify the fitting

Miller · 22 July 2018, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by beamishken

Post a picture someone may be able to identify the fitting

I know the fitting, it's a parker 1tfms-6-5b but they are like rocking horse Pooh at the moment, everywhere waiting for stock with no actual date

beamishken · 22 July 2018, 20:07

Is it a 1 off fitting? They are often based on a fairly standard hydraulic fitting

Miller · 22 July 2018, 20:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by beamishken

Is it a 1 off fitting? They are often based on a fairly standard hydraulic fitting

No these have a different thread pattern apparently so it's never easy. They are a 9/16 fitting but the thread isn't your normal one

phantom 19 · 22 July 2018, 20:20

What length are your current hoses? I think I have a pair of Seastar 16ft hoses

And yes getting the correct fittings is a nightmare! Parker in the UK don't stock them and won't bring them over unless you order 100!

Miller · 22 July 2018, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by phantom 19

What length are your current hoses? I think I have a pair of Seastar 16ft hoses

And yes getting the correct fittings is a nightmare! Parker in the UK don't stock them and won't bring them over unless you order 100!

I need 5.5m to 6m... My only other option is to change the fittings on the ram and helm...I presume this can be done on an ultraflex setup?