Diameter of Original Pressure Water tubing?

[Bill Goldsmith]

I developed a leak in the pressure water going to the head faucet/shower and traced it to a connector under the cabin sole that cracked. Tubing looks ok. This is the original polybutylene pipe/tubing from the factory. I found a source for replacement fittings even though the tubing is apparently no longer available. I'm not at the boat to measure--can someone tell me the diameter of the original tubing? 3/8? 1/2?

Thanks and stay well.

[jbenagh]

On CC (1983 CD30) everything is 1/2 in. But everywhere I fix something I replace it with 1/2 in PEX and new fittings. So fa, no leaks

Jeff

[Steve Laume]

Raven has three different types of fresh water tubing. I keep spare bits of tubing and fittings to make repairs but am not happy with the situation. I want to go with Pex. In fact I have a bunch of tubing, connectors and the crimping tool in my car right now, for the next trip to the boat.

Pex seems to be evolving a bit. I noticed they now have some very nice crimp rings made out of stainless instead of the copper ones. They also have the fittings in plastic or brass. I am wondering about the merits of each material. Anyone have and ideas or experience about which would be the better choice? I have both so it is just a matter of which to use.

The only thing that bothers me about using Pex is that I will not have a crimping tool on the boat, should it be needed. It good thing is that it shouldn't be needed, Steve.

[Jim Walsh]

I have all the original grey water hose. Twice in recent years I’ve discovered a leak due to chafe. Not a gusher, just a very fine mist, and my pump started to cycle on and off. I used a piece of the standard clear PVC, the stuff with the braided blue and white tracers, and just used it as a sleeve over the old stuff. I just cut the grey stuff at the break and stuffed a foot of the new stuff over each end. A couple hose clamps at each end and life is good. I know it’s only delaying what must really be done ......one day.

[Bill Goldsmith]

Thanks for the replies. I think I’ll be redoing the system with PEX — my first pressure water leak is probably going to move this up the project priority list for off-season. Right now I’m going to get an $8 part, fix it and go sailing!

[Bill Goldsmith]

On CC (1983 CD30) everything is 1/2 in. But everywhere I fix something I replace it with 1/2 in PEX and new fittings. So fa, no leaks

Jeff

Jeff,

Thanks. If I were to do what you did, and start my PEX journey by replacing the PB with PEX from the leak point to the head, what is the best connector to transition from PB to PEX? I see two kinds on the market: 1) barb/crimp style and 2) push-on connectors like Sharkbite and Whale.

[gonesail]

i had to cut out a small section with a leak. it put a fitting on each end and pex tubing in the middle. this is easy as long as you know where the leak is .. in my case I could not see it but could only feel it. i used the plastic flare couplings.

[jbenagh]

Bill, I've used the Whale. They are easily field- serviceable with no special tools and lots of the parts are interchangeable. Cost is about $50 more for the whole boat but no need for the $10 tool, so close to a wash
Jeff