Logo
FULL SITE MENU

Fuel Line question

B

briang0

Regular Contributor
I had my boat surveyed yesterd

I had my boat surveyed yesterday so I can get insurance and the guy that did the work said that I needed a "copper fuel line from the carburator to the fuel pump. Right now I have a 3/8 in rubber fuel line. I never touched this so I thought it was ok. Do I need to put a 3/8 copper line in? Is this a Coast Guard safety requirement? I'm not quite sure what to do. Do I use compression fittings or flare everything or does it matter either way. Any suggestions?
 
"Brian,

My boat has what mi

"Brian,

My boat has what might describe like LIKE "hydraulic type (but fuel rated) hose with flare fittings at the carb". It is quite heavy, solid and stiff but remains minimally moveable when removed from the carb. As for requirements of the USCG...I need to go look that up. But I don't remember see it in there the last time I was reading that stuff"
 
I spent about 30 minutes revie

I spent about 30 minutes reviewing the Coast Guard regulations and did not find any references on point.

I have a 50 foot Gibson with 2 454 CIDs. The Owners Manual on p.11 shows a copper line from the fuel tank to which a 3/8 inch fuel hose is attached with double clamps which leads to the carb. This is a 1984 boat.

I would be concerned about hard piping from the carb all the way to the fuel tank. The engine moves and eventually the fuel line will fail from stress cracking. The flexible fuel line will prevent this from happening.

I wish I had a dollar for the bad surveys I have had. Some surveyors are overzealous and point out things that are not relavant to boat safety while others fail to see some important safety items that are in need of repairing.

Chuck Hanson
 
Back
Top