White Shadow
Active Member
- Feb 17, 2023
- 128
- Boat Info
- 320 Sundancer 2005
AB Dinghy w/9.9 Merc
Axiom 9 MFD
Kohler Model 5E Generator
- Engines
- Twin Mercury 350 MPI Horizons w/Bravo III Drives
Hi Folks - Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on replacing all the cooling hoses and clamps on my 2005 320 DA.
The background behind this question stems from last fall when I had a clamp let go on one of my hoses (specifically the hose between the distribution housing and the heat exchanger). This happened after a weekend away while returning to our marina. I only found out there was a problem when the high water bilge alarm started going off and I realized there was an awful lot of water being pumped out the side of the boat. Luckily we were only about a mile out and managed to limp back in safely (although a bit shaken with that alarm going non-stop). After spending a boat buck getting everything cleaned up with salt away I started thinking maybe I should consider spending another boat buck (or two?) and just get all the hoses and clamps replaced. I mean they are all about 18 years old now.
Is this overkill? Am I over reacting?? Should I take a close look and only replace hoses that look like they need it, or just clamps that look like they should be replaced? Or maybe just add a second clamp where I can? I know typically when you start fixing this type of thing that other problems arise. Like the hose barbs starting to leak where they didn't before - that type of thing.
Any opinions on this? Anyone done something similar and replaced all their cooling hoses and clamps? Was there a lot more work involved then expected (and cost)?
I don't ever want to hear that high water alarm ever again!
The background behind this question stems from last fall when I had a clamp let go on one of my hoses (specifically the hose between the distribution housing and the heat exchanger). This happened after a weekend away while returning to our marina. I only found out there was a problem when the high water bilge alarm started going off and I realized there was an awful lot of water being pumped out the side of the boat. Luckily we were only about a mile out and managed to limp back in safely (although a bit shaken with that alarm going non-stop). After spending a boat buck getting everything cleaned up with salt away I started thinking maybe I should consider spending another boat buck (or two?) and just get all the hoses and clamps replaced. I mean they are all about 18 years old now.
Is this overkill? Am I over reacting?? Should I take a close look and only replace hoses that look like they need it, or just clamps that look like they should be replaced? Or maybe just add a second clamp where I can? I know typically when you start fixing this type of thing that other problems arise. Like the hose barbs starting to leak where they didn't before - that type of thing.
Any opinions on this? Anyone done something similar and replaced all their cooling hoses and clamps? Was there a lot more work involved then expected (and cost)?
I don't ever want to hear that high water alarm ever again!