Looking for this connector

[The Perfessor]

Does anyone know where I can get the connector in this photo? I don't know what it is called; I just know it is a female 1/2" to what I think is a 1/8" tubing. It is a freshwater connection. I just can't seem to find it; it is a compression fitting on the tube end. Any help is appreciated. This is on a a C&C Landfall 43 1984. Same plumbing fixtures on my 1985 O'Day 35... Thanks in advance.

[Spindrift NH]

I have the same fittings on my boat. I have found them at Truevalue hardware.

[Bycrick]

I tried that tubing with the same fittings about 1980 in my first boat. Within a couple of years, every one of the nuts had cracked, just as yours did. Fortunately replacing it all wasn’t much more work than trying to fix it. I’ve completely blocked from my mind what it was called, or the misbegotten SOBs that sold it to me. There are several newer systems, any of which should be an improvement.

[pesarsten]

you might try these folks if you're close


https://www.mcmaster.com/nylon-compr...tube-fittings/

[ramcknight007]

I replaced all of my fresh water lines due to that plumbing. Its old PB tubing and fittings. Cracked my connections while out of a 4-5 day sail. Replaced it all with PEX. Much better replacement and working great.

[gonesail]

that is the old style plastic connector .. no longer available from my experience .. there was a lawsuit. the flair-it couplings might work for you. you may have to replace the whole elbow.

[Ferrity]

I believe they are called Qest fittings. Found some at True Value hardware. Have since gotten rid of all of them.

Dennis
s/v Ferrity

[Jammer]

@Ferrity is correct. That's polybutylene tubing, which is obsolete and no longer available. Unlike the tubing itself, fittings are still available from several sources:


https://www.plumbingsupply.com/pipe-...ybutylene.html

[Seametric]

Home Depot have them

[floater88]

Looks like a braided steel toilet water inlet fitting would work. Much stronger then that plastic.

[Madehn]

I had the same issue. Ended up just cutting. The fittings off and found that 3/8 nylon reinforced hose will just fit over that piping. Couple of hose clamps on each side and seems to hold just fine.

[The Perfessor]

Thanks! Given what I'm hearing, I may want to start replacing that tubing as the connectors break. I'll give a new connector a shot and see if that holds as that would be quick and easy vs. pulling new plumbing lines. Unfortunately, I have other issues that need more immediate attention on that boat! Thanks again!

[j.g.evans]

I believe that these grey water lines and connectors were common in RVs and motor homes. Try a RV dealer if the other sources mentioned don't work out. I have a C&C and get my fittings at the local hardware store. Home Depot has white plastic, 1/2" OD, tubing that will work.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by The Perfessor

Thanks! Given what I'm hearing, I may want to start replacing that tubing as the connectors break. I'll give a new connector a shot and see if that holds as that would be quick and easy vs. pulling new plumbing lines. Unfortunately, I have other issues that need more immediate attention on that boat! Thanks again!

I wouldn't necessarily replace tubing.


The problem with polybutylene is that it is susceptible to cold flow, that is, it isn't really quite a solid and will tend to deform under pressure on an ongoing basis over the years. As a result the fittings tend to develop leaks over time. The worst problems were with fittings that used a crimp ring that were widely used in new construction for a while. The compression fittings on your boat can develop leaks over the years also but usually those can be corrected by tightening the nut. Failing that it is easy enough to replace the fitting.


These sorts of problems would tend to show up after many years. In most cases a boat built during the polybutylene tubing era will be close enough to the end of its useful service life that replacing the fittings alone will produce a plumbing system that will outlast the hull.



PEX has the ease of installation and low cost of polybutylene but due to its crosslinked molecular structure does not exhibit cold flow.

[Mickeyrouse]

Hard to tell from your photo, but have you checked out Fast-N-Tite by Parker, the same people that make Racor?
Fast-n-Tite is economical, rarely leaks, and has always been on our boat.