Trim tab hydraulic lines

[flamon]

I am trying to find out how I can replace the hydraulic line for my trim tabs as they were cut when the last person removed them for painting and never finish rebuilding the boat. I have attached some photos that show the connections on one my trim tabs. As you can see it is a plastic hose (it is hard and semi flexible...sorry, didn't sound that bad when I was originally typing it ) with some sort of crimped sleeve and then a nut fitting that screws down over the top into the hydraulic ram on one and and the pump on the other (they are the same fitting at either end). I am guessing it would be easiest to simply replace the hose and re-crimp the sleeves.

This is where I hit a roadblock. I have no idea where I can buy this sort of hose (e.g. what type of shop...i am thinking some sort of auto shop) and the sleeves/tool to do the crimping. I would prefer not to have to buy the tool but may not have an option as I cannot simply get a hose with 2 crimped ends and install it as it has to fit through a fitting in the transom which is only the diameter of the hose, not the fitting.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Please tell me if there is a more suitable channel that I should be posting this topic into.

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: Trim tab hydraulic lines

If there is a reputable boat shop near you, that's the place to go, but, if not, some auto parts stores make custom hydraulic hoses and connections. There is one near me called Bond Auto and they seem to have a fair amount of marine stuff. Also, NAPA is a good place to check.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim tab hydraulic lines

Flamon,

The tubing looks like Bennett Trim Tab tubing but the fitting is a little different than the ones we use at the pump and actuator (ram). Do you know if they are Bennett Trim Tabs? Or perhaps you have a photo of the pump or actuator?

 

[F_R]

Re: Trim tab hydraulic lines

I sort of doubt a hydraulic supply house is going to have those. Best you go to your local marina.

 

[RRitt]

Re: Trim tab hydraulic lines

it looks like somebody put a standard brake tube nut on some plastic tubing with a ferrule. I'm guessing your thread size is 3/8-24? If so then 3/16" aluminum tubing should work fine. McMaster Carr or Grainger should have 50' rolls of the stuff for under $20. Standard brake faring tools can be found at any NAPA for about $15. Annealed 3/16" aluminum tubing bends by hand. If you are going into saltwater or the tubing is exposed to abuse then CuNi alloy might be better than aluminum.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Trim tab hydraulic lines

Can't you use standard brass compression fittings, with plastic tubing and a brass insert for the open end of the tubing? I would think that would work.