Re-posted on behalf of Brian Wallace.

Hi again all,
In regard to spares for Ocean Cruising.Another item has come to mind in regard to domestic water taps and piping.We replaced our mono bloc galley tap a few years ago, and as with many things. Tap design has altered and possibly production has moved to the far east.The modern method of joining the water supply to the tap from the boats supply is to now use Flexi Connectors. These are certainly not up to the best quality for the marine environment. I am talking about a flexihose with a stainless flexi covering. this stainless is only simple basic stainless. When it deteriorates, it exposes the rubber hose inside to become vulnerable.We have had two fail over a number of years, so maybe one should check how taps are connected, and if Flexi Connectors, it may be handy to keep a couple of spare hoses in the kit. as we all know if something is going to break it is sods law you will be 1000 miles from the plumbers merchant. I am considering fitting standard 15mm isolation valves (as in ones house) so a damaged hose can be isolated without loosing the whole pressurized water system. Food for thought anyway.
Sail safe

Brian
S/V Darramy

Bill Balme

Hi again Dick,
One thing I omitted was that the supply pipes on Darramy and on many production boats from the 80’s had Alkathene supply pipes for the water. This stuff is so hard you cannot clamp it with pipe clips unless you warm the tube with a heat gun. Hot water will not soften the pipe enough to get a pipe clip to get a good seal.
Yes the pipe clip will work on plastic reinforced water pipe. I know it is now available in blue and red,. Pipe clips and a bolt with PTFE will work well..

Alkathene tubing is also wonderful stuff to save abrasion on shore lines that go over a concrete quay to a bollard, or on an anchor strop (snubber) that runs over the bow roller.

We have been using the same bit of tubing on our strop for 15 years.

Take care
Brian