Hose clamps - an important lesson

An important lesson we learnt early is the difference between hose clamp types. There are really only a couple of different hose clamp types used in the leisure boating industry and these are usually the worm drive strap type hose clamp.

Below pressed band worm drive strap type hose clamp

Pressed band hose clamps, the bottom clamp has done several seasons and is as good as new

One hose clamp that I have continually seen fail is the perforated hose clamp. All of our previous boats have had several failing perforated hose clamps. These are easy to identify, the thread on the strap is a series of small slots perforating through the strap. In most cases the strap material is thinner and from what we have seen will fail easily due to small amounts of crevice corrosion or they have been known to crack at a perforation over a period of time.

Below a perforated hose clamp.

Not far from failure, not as bad as some we have come across, but not good none the less

We had the stern tube seal a step from total failure, one hose clamp had failed totally and its pair had severe crevice corrosion. After finding this we went on a mission inspecting all the hose clamps on either end of a hose. Then we started to replace all the clamps used on items below the water line that keep the sea water out. Once we started we soon realized just how many hose clamps are used. We then started to replace the clamps on the pressure water system, and again there was a significant number. Even now several years later every now and then I will come across a perforated hose clamp failing or not far from it. Usually these are tucked away in some hard to reach place, making them double trouble to replace if they fail on passage.

Another problem I have found with perforated clamps used on hoses in the engine room. I am not sure whether its due to the heat, but on several occasions the hose material can be seen to be squeezed through the perforation slots. The flow on effect is a reduction in the efficiency of the clamp pressure.

This time the perforated hose clamp hasn't failed due to crevice corrosion, it just wasn't up to the job

Unfortunately price and profit margins are the reason we are supplied with inferior quality hose clamps when we purchase new equipment in kit form. The perforated hose clamp is cheaper to manufacture so most equipment suppliers will ship the new part with these types of clamps. Unless you’re really stuck, get pressed band hose clamps; they are made of thicker material and are usually able to withstand minor crevice corrosion without failing.

Another pit fall to be aware of is the use of automotive hose clamps, while these are sold as being stainless steel a lot of the time the screw (worm driver) is still mild steel and will rust out in quick time when used in the moist salty environment of a boat.

However, it’s not just on board these hose clamps can be a problem. We have seen a dock full of fire hoses where the nozzles are held on with these perforated hose clamps. The worry is if there is actually a fire. Instead of being able to use the nozzle as a shield (water curtain) or project the water all you will be left with is an open end once the water pressure is turned on. The nozzle will be long gone a projectile, let’s hope it doesn’t knock someone out when it lands after taking flight.

This is one of several failing hose clamps used to keep on the high pressure fire hose nozzle

As seen on the hose clamp above even the worm drive screw is rusting, possibly the band was stamped as stainless steel but the screw is mild steel. We have seen this on several occasions, these are usually clamps targeted to the automotive market and sold as stainless steel band clamps.

Before committing to purchasing a number of clamps take along your magnet and test the clamps for steel content, then buy one and over the next week have it in and out of sea water to test to see if there are any rust spots or reaction before buying more.

A good heavy duty hose clamp, great for larger diameter hoses like exhaust hoses, no worm drive screw to fail.

Bruce's Tasty Crumpets

Ready to add a favorite topping

One thing we just have not found while traveling is our old favourite the humble crumpet. While these home made crumpets don't have the same amount of holes on top as the commercially produced Crumpets you will find the texture is very similar. Serve hot from the pan or store in the fridge for up to five days. After being stored you may want to toast the crumpets before adding your favorite topping. 

A note on the flour; it must be a good strong flour, plain flour for cake making wont work.

Ingredients
    1 1/4 cups milk, lukewarm (320ml)
    2 teaspoons caster sugar
    1 teaspoon dried instant yeast
    1 1/2 cups Bread / Pizza Plain Flour
    1 teaspoon salt
    1/3 cup warm water 80ml
    3/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Method
Step 1
Combine 1 1/4 cups lukewarm milk, 2 teaspoons caster sugar and 1 teaspoon dried instant yeast in a jug. Cover with a tea towel and set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 10 minutes or until frothy.

Step 2
Combine 1 1/2 cups Bread / Pizza Plain Flour and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Make a well in the centre and whisk in the yeast mixture. Cover with a tea towel and set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3
Combine 1/3 cup warm water and 3/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda in a jug. Whisk into the flour mixture until combined. Cover and set aside for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
   
Step 4
Place four 7.5cm-diameter, 2cm-high egg rings in a non-stick frying pan over low-very low heat. Spray the rings and pan with oil, or see the hint below.

Spoon 3 tablespoonfuls of batter into each ring. I use a 1/3 cup measure so I don't need to extract all the batter from the scoop before doing the next.

Cook for 12-15 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface. Use tongs to remove the egg rings. Turn and cook for 30 seconds or until golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. Repeat with the remaining batter, lightly greasing and reheating the pan between batches.

Store in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Hint: if you don't want over spray oil all over the galley, put a couple of tablespoons of oil in a cereal bowl, then place the rings in one at a time and with a pastry brush coat the inside of the ring before placing it into the pan.
 

Using spray oil near an open flame can be very dangerous, much safer and environmentally friendly to brush the oil on to the rings.

After regularly making batches of crumpets as these are a favourite, we made them even better when we came across some slightly larger rings at a bake shop. Make sure you place the oiled rings on the hot plate and leave them to get hot before adding the batter mixture. We also found a slightly lower temperature allows you to cook the crumpet longer and get the open holes on the top.

Looking like store brought but tasting so much better