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

+x

 

bwallace - 7/20/2019

Hi again Dick, we must stop meeting like this!

The flexi hose is fairly standard in domestic situations in Europe.
Most of our fittings are metric these days, so we have to find stuff that is comparable. If replacing taps or faucets, you have to be able to connect securely and efficiently. Flexihose are good, they come in various lengths so there is no great surplus of pipe swinging about.
I wrote the article a while back, and just wanted to point out that a couple of spare hoses would be good to keep aboard, as things have moved on. We replaced our galley tap in Somoa as the original one after 20 years was tired. We could not get the hard fittings to fit the boats original spec.
In Sicily our Somoan (made in China) tap, was leaking so it was easier and cheaper to replace again. This time i fitted isolation valves for future convenience.(they cost very little and enable one to work on the system without draining down etc) Also as seniority approaches, I am trying to make all future work in small dark awkward inaccessible places as easy as possible.
Your method is tried and tested, nothing wrong with it. circumstances made us adapt and improve to what was available.

Take care

Brian and Sue still enjoying the Peloponnisos
S/V Darramy

Hi Brian, Understood and agree. There are spares that one forgets about and we all benefit from reminding. Best to Sue. Dic