My 2004 Chaparral 215 SSi recently had a major leak in the sanitation hose for the cockpit. The position of the outlet port is sometimes below waterline. My leak occurred in a split in the outside bend of a ~12" hose. The split area looked like it had torn or rotted from the inside out. I removed the leaking / split hose as well as the same hose drain on the other side of the boat - given that they're the same age. What I removed was an MPI premium marine sanitation hose 104-1120. This type of hose also has a spiral wire winding for support. (I'm guessing it could also be used for a vacuum hose since it's forced open by the wire?) Can this drainage hose be replaced by a different brand, e.g. Shields series 148 all vinyl hose, or is there a specific reason(s) this particular brand (MPI) was chosen for OEM by Chaparral? No toilet or other harsh chemicals are used in this area for drainage. The hoses are in the engine compartment, attached to barbed thru-hull fittings, and secured by hose clamps. Most water contact comes from outside at / below waterline. I have scupper flaps on both drain pipes. Lastly, what is the approximate lifespan for the MPI 104 vs. Shields 148? The other non-leaking hose I removed did not have a split, nor any other signs of wear.
