How to replace water heater hoses

[FTL_Alan]

Project this weekend is replacing my water heater hoses on my 2008 350SS. Appreciate any advice, as I know nothing about the steps involved, what type of hose to buy, etc. I assume West Marine carries the hose? Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[AllDodge]

Measure how much you need, measure the inside diameter of current hose, then go to your local auto parts store and pickup the same amount of hose. The hose should be no larger then 5/8 ID. Don't buy the thin wall cheap stuff, need a good thick wall hose so it does not kink in the bends

I like Gates hose and can find online easy enough. Search [FONT=&quot]Gates Green Stripe[/FONT]

 

[GSENT]

X2 with Gates.
I always cut a slit in the hose to assist with getting them off the fitting since you are replacing them.

 

[Goingback]

I always heat up the ends with a hair dryer which makes removal and installation much easier. This is especially true with those better and thicker hoses.

 

[Formula Tenn]

DO NOT USE A FIRECRACKER TO REMOVE THE HOSE! Its considered unsafe

 

[FTL_Alan]

Thanks all, very helpful advice.. Now that I've read this article from BoatUS, I decided to turn the job over to my mechanic, look at all hoses, rather than just the water heater hose. Boat is now 11 years old, I am the 2nd owner, purchased in 2015. I will check the dates on the hoses, but I suspect all are original from 2008. Here's the article link:

https://www.boatus.com/magazine/2014/february/dont-get-hosed-by-busted-hoses.asp

 

[AllDodge]

Agree if you have trouble with a hose, replacing all may be the best bet, but (note the but) the BoatUS article (first pic) is what happens with an open (raw) water cooled boat. If its open cooled then the hose connects to the sea water. Yours is closed cool, so if a hose breaks you just loose antifreeze and the boat does not sink