sailboat water hoses

Service Locator

• Angler Endorsement
• Boat Towing Coverage
• Mechanical Breakdown
• Insurance Requirements in Mexico
• Agreed Hull Value
• Actual Cash Value
• Liability Only
• Insurance Payment Options
• Claims Information
• Towing Service Agreement
• Membership Plans
• Boat Show Tickets
• BoatUS Boats For Sale
• Membership Payment Options
• Consumer Affairs
• Boat Documentation Requirements
• Installation Instructions
• Shipping & Handling Information
• Contact Boat Lettering
• End User Agreement
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Vessel Documentation
• BoatUS Foundation
• Government Affairs
• Powercruisers
• Buying & Selling Advice
• Maintenance
• Tow Vehicles
• Make & Create
• Makeovers & Refitting
• Accessories
• Electronics
• Skills, Tips, Tools
• Spring Preparation
• Winterization
• Boaters’ Rights
• Environment & Clean Water
• Boat Safety
• Navigational Hazards
• Personal Safety
• Batteries & Onboard Power
• Motors, Engines, Propulsion
• Best Day on the Water
• Books & Movies
• Communication & Etiquette
• Contests & Sweepstakes
• Colleges & Tech Schools
• Food, Drink, Entertainment
• New To Boating
• Travel & Destinations
• Watersports
• Anchors & Anchoring
• Boat Handling
• ← Install & Repair

Boat Plumbing

Advertisement

Boat plumbing is a lot easier for the do-it yourselfer than plumbing at home, mainly because it doesn't involve rigid pipes running inside solid walls.

Here is an overview of a typical on-board water system.

Because water is heavy, tanks should be mounted low in the boat. Where space is available, it is a relatively simple matter to add extra tanks. Rigid polyethylene tanks are available in hundreds of shapes and sizes, or you might use a flexible bladder tank--essentially a water bag.

Water tanks typically have three threaded ports, one for the outlet and one for the vent hose, both 1/2-inch, and one for the fill hose, usually 1 1/2-inch. Threaded hose barbs allow for hose connections. The inlet is connected to an on-deck fill. (Be sure the deck-fill has an O-ring to seal out seawater when it is closed.) The vent line leads to a vent fitting high in the boat — above the tank at every expected angle of heel. Be aware that if the vent is not also higher than the fill, it will overflow when you are filling the tank. The outlet connection leads directly to a pump or, in a multi-tank installation, to a manifold or Y-valve.

Use Teflon tape or thread sealant on all threaded fittings, and don't overtighten fittings in plastic tanks. Secure hoses with stainless steel hose clamps.

Supply piping for a boat water system must be non-toxic, non-contaminating, taste-free, and FDA approved for drinking water. If the system is pressurized or will carry hot water, the piping needs to be suitable. The traditional choice for water system plumbing has long been clear PVC reinforced with polyester braid. This same type hose can be used for tank fill and vent connections.

In recent years semi-rigid polyethylene (PE) tubing, long used in RV plumbing, has surged in popularity for boat plumbing. It has much to recommend it. With quick-connect fittings, a PE tubing water delivery system assembles with the simplicity of Tinkertoys. The opaque or at least semitranslucent nature of the PE tubing discourages algae growth that can be a problem with clear hose. PE tubing also comes in colors — typically red for hot water and blue for cold — which looks nice and might make plumbing failures easier to trace. Because the tubing is less flexible than PVC hose and it must be cut to the correct lengths, a PE plumbing system will be slightly more demanding to install. However, the primary negative to PE plumbing is the cost of the fittings, which at this writing run $4 to $8 each. On the positive side, the tubing is actually cheaper than reinforced clear PVC hose.

Drain hoses connected to through-hull fittings should be stronger than clear vinyl hose. For this use, select reinforced rubber hose, sometimes called heater hose. This is the same type of hose used on engine plumbing, and it typically has about three times the burst strength of reinforced vinyl hose. Double clamp all hoses connected to through-hull fittings.

Water pumps on a boat can be either electric or manual. An electric pump pressurizes the entire water system. Most electric pumps have a pressure switch that activates when the pressure drops below a set value--usually around 30 or 40 PSI. Opening any tap on the boat releases pressure and causes the pump to kick on and run until it rebuilds the pressure to the cut-out setting. The pump cycles on and off until the tap is closed. The inlet of an electric pump connects directly to the tank outlet (or multitank valve), and the outlet supplies water to all faucets and appliances.

Manual pumps — hand or foot operated — supply a single spigot connected directly to the outlet side of the pump. A regulating valve is not required; water flow is controlled by the operation of the pump. The primary advantage of manual pumps is that they dramatically reduce water waste, a major concern for boats that spend long periods away from water supplies.

Accumulator

Some water systems include an accumulator. Large accumulators have pressurized bladders in them, but most small ones are just empty tanks teed into the line downstream of the pump. When the pump runs, it tries to fill the tank from the bottom, compressing the air trapped inside the tank. The pressure from the tank allows small amounts of water to be drawn without the necessity of the pump running, thus reducing pump cycling.

A marine water heater is simply a small, insulated tank downstream of the pump. You must have a pressurized water system to operate a water heater. The pump draws water from the storage tank(s) and fills the water heater tank. Inside the water heater is an electrical heating element and usually a coiled tube called a heat exchanger. When AC power is available, the electrical element (controlled by a thermostat) heats the water. Away from the dock, the hot engine coolant is routed through the coiled tube to heat the water in the tank when the engine is running.

Water heaters have four threaded ports. The tank inlet connects via a tee-connector to the outlet hose from the pump. A check valve is required in this line or in the heater to prevent hot water from migrating back toward the pump. The outlet connection supplies heated water to the hot side of all faucets, also using tee-connectors. The other two ports are for the heat exchanger connection, which varies depending on engine installation. Use only metal fittings to plumb a water heater, never plastic. If a pressure-release valve isn't integral, the heater will have a fifth port for this essential component.

Faucets are the ultimate terminus for water system lines. Manual pumps require simple spigots, but in a pressure water system, boat faucets differ from those found ashore only in styling and that they may be fitted with hose barbs. Mixer faucets require two connections, one from the cold side to the supply line from the pump and the other from the hot side to the water-heater outlet.

Shower connections are identical to faucet connections. The only difference is that rather than delivering the water through a spigot, the water is delivered through a pipe or hose to the shower head.

A nice owner addition to almost any boat is a deck shower, easily installed by simply teeing into cold- and hot-water supply lines.

Sink drains typically connect with reinforced rubber hose to a through-hull fitting. On a sailboat, sinks are best located near the centerline of the boat so heeling doesn't put them below the waterline. Because head sinks are often well outboard, they may be plumbed to drain into the bowl of the toilet to avoid the risk of flooding. There are collateral benefits of running fresh water through the head.

Shower pans too often drain into the bilge to be pumped overboard by the bilge pump. However, this arrangement eventually leads to unpleasant bilge odors, and it risks jamming the bilge pump with hair. Shower pans should be isolated from the bilge and include a discharge pump, either automatic or connected to a switch. The through-hull discharge outlet must always remain above the water.

Since few boats carry sufficient fresh water to allow washing the decks with it, washdown pumps are not connected into the freshwater system. Nevertheless, a washdown pump is a great convenience for hosing the deck and knocking mud off the anchor chain.

The inlet fitting of a washdown pump is connected to a submerged through-hull fitting, and the outlet side is connected to a deck-mounted faucet or male hose connector. A dedicated through-hull is not required; if you are installing a deckwash pump; use a Y- or tee-connector to tie into an existing inlet line. Use heavy-duty rubber suction hose, wire reinforced to keep the hose from collapsing. Debris will damage or destroy a washdown pump, so it is essential to have a strainer in the intake line.

Related Articles

The truth about ceramic coatings for boats.

Our editor investigates the marketing claims of consumer-grade ceramic coatings.

Fine-Tune Your Side Scan Fishfinder

Take your side-scanning fishfinder off auto mode, and you’ll be spotting your prey from afar in no time

DIY Boat Foam Decking

Closed-cell foam flooring helps make boating more comfortable. Here’s how to install it on your vessel

Click to explore related articles

Contributor, BoatUS Magazine

Don Casey has been one of the most consulted experts on boat care and upgrades for 30 years, and is one of the BoatUS Magazine's panel of experts. He and his wife cruise aboard their 30-footer part of the year in the eastern Caribbean. His books include Don Casey's Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual, and the recently updated This Old Boat, the bible for do-it-yourself boaters.

BoatUS Magazine Is A Benefit Of BoatUS Membership

Membership Benefits Include:

Subscription to the print version of BoatUS Magazine

4% back on purchases from West Marine stores or online at WestMarine.com

Discounts on fuel, transient slips, repairs and more at over 1,200 businesses

Deals on cruises, charters, car rentals, hotel stays and more…

All for only $25/year!

We use cookies to enhance your visit to our website and to improve your experience. By continuing to use our website, you’re agreeing to our cookie policy.

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter

Pearson Rhodes 41/Rhodes Bounty II Used Sailboat Review

Hallberg-Rassy 42 Used Sailboat Review

How to Perform Your Own Pre-Buy Inspection

Beneteau 323 Used Boat Review

Thinking Through a Solar Power Installation

How Does the Gulf Stream Influence our Weather?

Can You Run a Marine Air-Conditioner on Battery Power?

Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing

Practical Sailor Classic: The Load on Your Rode

Anchor Rodes for Smaller Sailboats

Ground Tackle Inspection Tips

Shoe Goo II Excels for Quick Sail Repairs

Diesel Performance Additives

What Oil Analysis Reveals About Your Engine

The Best Tools for Bottom Painting

The Hidden Maintenance Problems That Can Ruin Your Day: Part 1

Bottom Paint 30-Month Update

Battle of the Teak Cleaners — Snappy Teak-Nu vs. Star Brite

Are E-bikes Worth the Extra Weight and Cost?

How to Select Crew for a Passage or Delivery

Preparing A Boat to Sail Solo

Re-sealing the Seams on Waterproof Fabrics

Waxing and Polishing Your Boat

Reducing Engine Room Noise

Tricks and Tips to Forming Do-it-yourself Rigging Terminals

Marine Toilet Maintenance Tips

Learning to Live with Plastic Boat Bits

• Boat Maintenance
• Systems & Propulsion

Hose Fitting Tips

Tools and techniques for a hose makeover..

Pulling hoses is generally low on the fun list. They are in bad places, jammed onto crusty hose-fitting barbs, and have stiffened over the years. As part of our 2016 update on long-term tests, we needed to wiggle loose a few of the sanitation hoses were testing to see how they were looking on the inside-a job much less pleasant than new installation.

Photos by Drew Frye

After flushing the hoses well with clean water and vinegar, testers donned rubber-coated gloves (for better grip) and firmly rocked the hoses. In most cases, this was enough to break the seal, but some hoses were too stubborn. Heat can soften hose for pulling or installing, but warming it too much can ruin it (never too hot to touch). Rather than resort to cutting the hose off in pieces-scarring the barb and inviting future leaks in the process-we sought the right tool for the job, which turned out to be neither marine, nor expensive.

OTC Hose Puller

There are several different types of hose-pulling tools. Some contain a knife-like edge and are intended to cut the hose off by slicing it from the end and the inside. These are not much use on wire-reinforced hose and typically are more destructive than useful. Many come only in sets, with hooks designed to access hoses from every possible angle.

The hose puller we found to be the most useful on marine sanitation hoses is OTC Tools Hose Removal Tool (4521), which is designed for the automotive industry. It is nothing more than a simple handle with an offset hook that allows you to reach up inside the hose (on that seacock you can barely reach), wiggle it around to break the seal, and gradually ease it off. Its not always that simple, but we were able to remove all of the hoses without damage to the hose or barb and to easily re-install the same hoses on the same fittings.

Proper Hose Fit

Before you start tugging away on your stuck hoses, there are a few things you should know. One of the leading causes of stuck hoses is incorrectly matched hose barbs. Most sanitation hoses-and other marine hoses-are actually metric, so ramming them onto barbed, U.S.-standard fittings is a sure recipe for a permanently stuck-on hose. The best bet for use with sanitation hose is using fittings that are smooth (no pressure) and double clamped; these are available from most sanitation-equipment suppliers.

Matching hose to fittings also is important to prevent leaks. Leaks not caused by poor fit are often the results of imperfection in or damage to the barbs, damage to the hose, or poor clamping. Remove the hose and inspect the barb. Can it be replaced if its defective, or can the defects be minimized by careful sculpting with a file? If the hose is damaged, can you trim a few inches? Is there debris in the clamping area? If single-clamped, add a second clamp so that its screw is opposing the first.

Are the clamps properly positioned, both over the barb? Weve seen plenty of hoses that were missing the second clamp, or the barb was missing. Weve also seen hoses positioned so that the barb was cutting the hose like scissors. The wrong solution in this case is to simply add caulk as a sealant; it doesn’t address the problems, nearly always fails, and complicates proper repair.

Finally, a lubricant helps the hose slide into proper position on the barb rather than getting stuck only half way on. But don’t simply reach for a dollop of grease. Petroleum products can shorten the life of the hose, and as we all know, sanitary hose is hard to replace. Many marine hoses, specifically those using either butyl or EPDM liners, are incompatible with petroleum products. Vinyl hose becomes hardened when exposed to petroleum products. Instead, either research the manufacturers recommendation or use a glycerin-based lubricant as a safe, all-purpose hose lube. It is fully compatible with all materials, slippery, easy to clean up, and over time, it will evaporate away, encouraging a leak-free connection.

Bottom line: Most hose leaks, premature failures, and hose removal problems stem from installation errors. Close attention to detail will insure long-life and simple maintenance. But if you have stubborn, stuck-on hoses, the OTC 4521 hose removal tool is well worth the $9 price tag, even if you need it only once.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

For water or coolant hoses that need to be easily removed I have switched to silicon radiator hose. I’ve had no problems with years of use. Be sure to use a smooth hose clamp to prevent cutting into the hose. If the engine hasn’t been used in a long time I remove the hose to the raw water pump and add a little soapy water to prime and lubricate it to extend the life of the impeller. It is very easy with the silicon hose. When I need to remove a vinyl hose, to heat all around the fitting without overheating one side or the stuff around it, I wrap a strip of towel around the connection and soak it in hot water. I refresh the hot water several times and it softens the hose without overheating.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

An Italian Go Fast Sailboat – The Viko S 35 |...

What Is The Best Folding Bike For Your Sailboat?

The No Expense Spared Antigua 60 Cruising Sailboat Soolaimon

How To Buy Sails – With Joe Cooper

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

Login To My Account

Enter your e-mail and password:

New customer? Create Your Account

Lost Password? Recover Password

Recover Password

Enter your email:

Remembered your password? Back to login

Spend $50.00 more and get free shipping!

Your cart is empty

• All RV/Marine Hoses (6)
• Portable Hose for RV (2)
• Boat Hose (2)
• Flexible/Lightweight (6)
• Drinking Water–Safe (6)
• In stock (2)
• Out of stock (0)
• Element (2)
• Swan Hose (2)

If you own a boat or recreational vehicle, you know how important it is to have a...

Swan’s Element-brand RV&Marine® hose is designed for a variety of applications whether you’re on a boat or...

Recently Viewed

Marine water hose for boats.

Our marine water hose is designed to handle the rigors of use onshore and off. Every boat hose we offer includes features like high UV resistance, kink resistance and flexibility to handle years of service. Large crush-proof fittings are easy to handle with wet hands. High burst strength lets you use your boat water hose with high flow rate spigots.

Our RV & Marine hose meets Federal and California drinking-water standards for lead and phthalates. This makes it safe for filling your freshwater tanks. We offer these hoses in lengths as short as 4 feet, which is perfect to get into tight spaces when you use it as a boat washdown hose.

• Opens in a new window.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

We ship worldwide

• Testimonial
• Create an Account

Boat Sanitation, Water and Exhaust Hoses

Great Lakes Skipper has outstanding discount prices on marine hoses of all kinds: water heater hose, boat wet exhaust hose, marine vacuum hose, hardball hose, PEX tubing, hose fittings, bilge blower hose, and other hoses, either precut or by the foot. Shop our huge inventory for closeout deals on rigid reinforced hose, semi rigid hose, chrome flex hose, and reinforced PVC hose in a range of diameters.

Shop Products

Items 1 - 12 of 136

• You're currently reading page 1

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Fuel Systems

Water systems, wet exhaust systems.

• Wire & Cable Conduit

Ventilation Systems

Accessories, we have the largest inventory of marine hose in the industry, boat builders & boat owners prefer our genuine oem hoses, our oem hose kits eliminate scrap and improve productivity, we create custom products to your specifications, we construct our products to meet and exceed industry standards.

We sell marine hose to boat builders around the world.

If you are a boat owner, ask for our original OEM hoses at your local marina or marine distributor .

Wire & Cable Conduit

Boat builders and boat manufacturers around the world rely on our globally approved and certified marine hose. Backed by independent product testing and our award-winning customer service, we bring guidance at every turn to the marine industry. We welcome the opportunity to earn your business and look forward to becoming your trusted partner.

• Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
• What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media
• Media New media New comments
• Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com
• Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale
• Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday
• Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe

Engine Raw Water Intake Hose

• Thread starter Ward H
• Start date Mar 18, 2021
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

In the spring of 2019, my 2nd season of owning my boat, I ran all new engine hoses. This included new raw water intake hose from the seacock to the bronze strainer and from the strainer to the raw water pump. I used Trident 250/100 Flex Marine Wet Exhaust and Water Hose. Each fall I pull the strainer end of the strainer to raw water pump hose and put it in a bucket, run anti freeze through and put the hose back on the strainer in the spring after using a bucket full of fresh water to make sure the boat will start. The hose only stays on the hose barbs for about 6 months at a time and always comes off relatively easy. This winter I tried pulling the off the hose between the seacock and strainer and it was stuck on so well I had to cut it off. This hose had not been removed for two years. I've read how many will pull the hose off of the intake side of the strainer or pull it off the seacock to clear clogs. How do you make sure the hose comes off easily? Do you pull it off at least once a year to ensure it doesn't stick on so well that it has to be cut off? Is pulling the hose off once in a while so you know you can remove it without cutting it off a maintenance thing? Or do you just cut it off to clear a clog and put a spare length back on?  

Ward, that's the one hose I've never had an issue with. I have had problems with plastic strainers on a couple of hoses. The cover does not want to come off. To solve that issue I used some silicone grease or teflon grease depending on what's handy. The silicone grease is as known as dielectric grease and the teflon grease is the stuff Peggy recommends for head pumps. Perhaps smearing a little of that on the hose barb might make removal easier. That and making sure the hose barbs are clean and not cruded up with stuff that would interfere with removal.  

I hate trying to remove and re-install those hoses. I decided to install a three way valve at the inlet of the strainer, and put the old raw water hose on one side of the valve, and a long length of hose on the other side of the valve. In the fall, I run the long hose to the bilge and flip the valve to suck up water or anti-freeze from the bilge to winterize the engine. In the spring, I run fresh water from the bilge to flush the engine. During the season, I can flush fresh water through the engine if I intend to leave the boat for a while. This setup also work as an emergency bilge pump, running right off the engine, and not dependent on the electrical system.  

Stu Jackson

Lanocote on the hose, Ward.  

I use Teflon grease on all hoses. Makes for an easy removal. Greg  

Putting lubrication on the hoses seemed contrary to not wanting them to slide off but it is apparently what I was missing. Many thanks for pointing that out.  

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

I find hoses are fickle. Some go on smooth as silk. Seal up with snug clamps. Do not leak, seep, or rust the clamps. They just do their job, no complaints. Others are ornery. And they will not come off the barb fitting thus they are slashed, twisted with pliers, tortured and destroyed only to be replaced with something new. If wishing to flush out the hose each year then perhaps the optimum design is to add a flush out fitting to the hose or a more complex connection than a barb fitting and clamps. Firemen flush their hoses often. They use threaded fittings. This adds cost and a potential failure point to a hose system. The benefit may outway the additional maintenance and risk. I look at hoses as limited life items that are a consumable.  

Tom J said: I hate trying to remove and re-install those hoses. I decided to install a three way valve at the inlet of the strainer, and put the old raw water hose on one side of the valve, and a long length of hose on the other side of the valve. In the fall, I run the long hose to the bilge and flip the valve to suck up water or anti-freeze from the bilge to winterize the engine. In the spring, I run fresh water from the bilge to flush the engine. During the season, I can flush fresh water through the engine if I intend to leave the boat for a while. This setup also work as an emergency bilge pump, running right off the engine, and not dependent on the electrical system. Click to expand

smokey73 said: Thread Hi-jack alert! I'd be worried about something that got into the bilge, like a plastic bag blocking the strainer if using it as an emergency bilge pump, then losing my engine cooling. Also wouldn't you be worried about pumping out all the water so quickly that you damage the impeller in the raw water pump by running it dry? Easy to manage when just flushing the engine for winterizing but seems a serious risk to use it as an emergency bilge pump but maybe I'm overthinking it. Click to expand

dlochner said: If you do this correctly, a strum box is attached to the end of the hose to block debris. And of course you watch the out put. Presumably if you resort to using the engine coolant as a bilge pump the volume of water coming into the boat is sufficient to sink the boat if the engine is not being used. Click to expand

Richard19068

dlochner said: Presumably if you resort to using the engine coolant as a bilge pump the volume of water coming into the boat is sufficient to sink the boat if the engine is not being used. Click to expand

@Tom J do you have pics of this slick setup, I read stories of similar approaches but would love to see the 310 setup  

weekendrken

Ward H said: Putting lubrication on the hoses seemed contrary to not wanting them to slide off but it is apparently what I was missing. Many thanks for pointing that out. Click to expand

JRT said: @Tom J do you have pics of this slick setup, I read stories of similar approaches but would love to see the 310 setup Click to expand

Ward H said: In the spring of 2019, my 2nd season of owning my boat, I ran all new engine hoses. Click to expand

BigEasy said: So, how frequently should the hoses be replaced? Click to expand

• This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…

Boating Basics Online is reader-supported. When you buy via our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more

The Best Boat Washdown Hoses for Boating, RV, Home & Garden

Written by J. Harvey / Fact checked by S. Numbers

You’ll find various types of marine hoses that you can put on board. But you have to select the one that matches your washdown system. Some are suitable for freshwater but not for saltwater. There are hoses too that are specially made for cold weather.

Learn how to tell them apart and get the best boat washdown hose for a specific application. When you use the inappropriate hose, it will give consequences like a bothersome mess or the water flow is constricted at times. Also, make sure that you get a sturdy one with high quality to withstand the marine environment.

Spare some time reading this review to contemplate the pros and cons of the top pick marine hoses. Then you can find the suitable one that can provide your needs.

• Has plenty of lengths
• Flexible 

• Flexible, lightweight
• Durable construction
• Medium rate of water flow

• No leaking issue
• 2-year warranty
• Stretch up to 17 to 18 feet more

Table of Contents

Authorities ID boat operator who fatally struck 15-year-old Ella Adler

By CBS Miami Team

Updated on: May 15, 2024 / 6:46 PM EDT / CBS/CNN

MIAMI - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission identified the boat operator in connection to the death of 15-year-old Ella Adler, who was struck while water skiing in Biscayne Bay on Saturday.

Authorities say Carlos Guillermo Alonso, 78, of Coral Gables, was the boat's operator.

They say he was the only occupant of the vessel on that day, according to the one-page incident report.  

FWC24ON0038760_updated-2 by sergio.candido on Scribd

The boat was discovered behind a home in the Hammocks Oaks neighborhood in Coral Gables. Neighbors described the man who lives in the home as a family man and an experienced boater. They said he was devastated by what happened.

Rodney Barreto, the Chairman of the FWC,  said this about Ella's death, "It's touched our community in a way." 

"When you're 15 years old you don't expect to go out on a boat and not come home." 

The new preliminary FWC report says she had been on a boat with 12 other people and was being towed while on a wakeboard. 

Records show Alonso owns the house where the vessel was seized.

"The gentleman who was driving the boat who is cooperating with us is Mr. Alonso," said Barreto.

"We have some physical evidence that we have recovered that we have sent to our state lab for testing." 

Barreto says officers used witness descriptions to find the boat.

"It was good old-fashioned police work by our officers. 
We asked them to go up and down the canals from Coconut Grove to South Miami. They went up and down the canals with the physical description they had and recognized the boat." 

Batteto said there was no evidence pointing to reckless or drunk driving.

It's not known if the driver will be cited or charged.

"Our job is to gather information and present it to the State Attorney, so they can do their job." 

The loss of Ella Adler prompts this warning from Barreto: "Make sure you pay attention to the water and always look around because things can happen on the water and they can happen very quickly."

"We encourage people to use a lot of caution and go to boating safety schools." 

"Florida has the most registered boats in the country and Miami-Dade has the most registered boats than any county in Florida."

Ella, the granddaughter of US Ambassador to Belgium Michael M. Adler, was water skiing with friends Saturday near the Nixon Beach sandbar when she fell in the water while being towed and was struck by another boat. The operator of that boat never stopped.

An all out search was then launched to find the boat and driver.

On Wednesday, Florida Fish and Wildlife believed they had found it. 

"I am pleased to report that we have a vessel in custody that matches the description given by witnesses," said FWC's George Reynaud. "The boat is in our custody and the owner is cooperating with us."

On Monday morning, hundreds of people attended services for Adler at Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach.

On Tuesday, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden stopped by in person to offer her condolences and be with the family.

"We are honored that the First Lady paid a shiva call to our family during this time of immense pain. We are touched by their support and love and we are proud to call the President and First Lady our friends for over 40 years," according to a statement from the family.

Adler was a freshman at Ransom Everglades High School and a ballerina with the Miami City Ballet.

"We are heartbroken," Ransom Everglades posted on Facebook. "Ella Adler '27 shined in our classrooms and on our stages, and she embodied the mission of Ransom Everglades School. We wish peace and comfort to her family."

"We at Miami City Ballet and the Miami City Ballet School are utterly devastated by the heartbreaking news of this tragic accident," said the organization which described Adler as a beloved student and a magnificent dancer who graced their stage. "Our hearts go out to Ella's family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and adoring her. As we come together, we will profoundly grieve the loss of Ella, and hold dear the precious memories we were fortunate enough to create with her."

"We extend our deepest condolences to the Adler family at this difficult time," the US Embassy to Belgium said in a statement. "Out of respect for their privacy, we have nothing further."

Anyone who saw the accident or anyone who might have video footage or information about it is urged to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).

The CBS Miami team is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSMiami.com.

Featured Local Savings

More from cbs news.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Chair Rodney Barreto looks to change boating laws after Ella Adler's death

Veteran Florida boater shares tips as National Safe Boating Week kicks off

Man dead, woman critically injured after drunk driving crash in Miami Shores; driver arrested

Mets beat Marlins 7-3 to avoid series sweep

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Check out Moscow’s NEW electric river trams (PHOTOS)

Water transportation has become another sector for the eco-friendly improvements the Moscow government is implementing. And it means business. On July 15, 2021, on the dock of Moscow’s ‘Zaryadye’ park, mayor Sergey Sobyanin was shown the first model of the upcoming river cruise boat.

The model of the electrical boat with panoramic windows measures 22 meters in length. The river tram - as Muscovites call them - has a passenger capacity of 42, including two disabled seats. The trams will also get cutting edge info panels, USB docking stations, Wi-Fi, spaces for scooters and bicycles, as well as chairs and desks for working on the go. The boats will be available all year round, according to ‘Mosgortrans’, the regional transport agency. 

Passengers will be able to pay with their ‘Troika’ public transport card, credit cards or bank cards. 

The main clientele targeted are people living in Moscow’s river districts - the upcoming trams will shorten their travel time in comparison to buses and other transportation by five times, Mosgortrans stated. 

As the river trams are being rolled out, Moscow docks will also see mini-stations, some of which will also be outfitted with charging docks for speed-charging the boats.  

Moscow is set to announce the start of the tender for construction and supply in September 2021. The first trams are scheduled to launch in June 2022 on two routes - from Kievskaya Station, through Moscow City, into Fili; and from ZIL to Pechatniki. 

“Two full-scale routes will be created in 2022-2023, serviced by 20 river trams and a number of river stations. We’ll continue to develop them further if they prove to be popular with the citizens,” the Moscow mayor said .

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• Face it: Moscow Metro to introduce FACIAL payment technology
• What does Moscow smell like?
• Riding Moscow’s train of tomorrow (PHOTOS)

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine 'destroys Russian Black Sea minesweeper'

Ukraine's navy says it has destroyed a Russian Black Sea fleet minesweeper. Meanwhile, an attack on a residential area in Kharkiv left six civilians injured - with Ukraine saying it is investigating the bombing as a potential war crime.

Monday 20 May 2024 08:54, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Big picture: What you need to know as a new week begins
• Six killed - including pregnant woman - in strikes on Kharkiv recreation area
• Russia takes control of village in Kharkiv - defence ministry
• We'll be back tomorrow with live updates

This week kicks off with all eyes on northeastern Ukraine, after Russia opened a second front when it invaded across the border from the Belgorod region into the Kharkiv region.

Our coverage remains paused today, but you can find an overview of the war as it stands below.

Second front

Russian forces have advanced between five and 10km into the Kharkiv region, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Moscow is prioritising the seizure of Vovchansk -the largest settlement near the border - said the Institute of the Study of War, which could provide Russian forces with a staging ground to launch a second phase of the offensive.

The objectives of this phase are unclear, but Russian officials have previously identified Lyptsi as a target.

Vladimir Putin has claimed capturing the city of Kharkiv is not part of the plan, but a former Ukrainian president said he cannot be trusted.

The offensive has been deadly for civilians - with 10 people killed in Russian strikes on Sunday, local governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

Russian forces have also captured 40 civilians from a town in Kharkiv, the head of the investigative department of the Kharkiv regional police, Serhii Bolvinov, said.

Meanwhile, anti-Putin Russian paramilitary soldiers have joined Ukrainian troops to defend the new frontier.

The Black Sea and the occupied Crimean peninsula remain targets for Ukrainian forces.

They attacked Belbek airfield on Tuesday, destroying elements of an air defence missile battery, including a radar system and launchers. 

This comes after three successful attacks between 16 April and 12 May, the UK defence ministry said.

Ukrainian Defence Forces also destroyed a Black Sea fleet minesweeper, the Ukrainian navy said.

Elsewhere on the frontline

Ukrainian troops reported the war was entering a critical phase and they remain desperate for ammunition.

Colonel Pavlo Palisa, fighting near Chasiv Yar, said Russia was preparing for a major push to break Ukrainian lines in the east.

Ukrainian gun commander Oleksandr Kozachenko said his unit's US-supplied howitzer, which once hurled 100 shells a day, is now reduced to fewer than 10.

Beyond the battlefield

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the French president's call for a truce between Russia and Ukraine during the Paris Olympics, saying it could give Russia the upper hand.
• Poland said it would invest £2bn to make its eastern border "impossible to pass for a potential enemy", prime minister Donald Tusk said.
• Russia's ambassador to the UK said the UK was a de facto participant in the war. Moscow said it saw the US and UK as responsible for recent attacks on Russian soil because they were allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons against targets there.

Putin in China

The Russian president was in Beijing last week, meeting leader Xi Jinping.

They agreed to expand military drills, warned against the risk of nuclear conflict and talked up the idea of weakening the West.

The pair signed an agreement for "new era" strategic cooperation, criticising the US and marking support for Russia's "sovereignty and territorial integrity".

We're pausing our coverage of the Ukraine war for the moment.

Scroll through the blog below to catch up on today's developments.

Russian forces likely intend to launch the second phase of their offensive following their anticipated seizure of Vovchansk, three miles from the Russian border, according to the latest analysis from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said yesterday that Russian forces advanced between five and 10 kilometres in the northern Kharkiv region before Ukrainian forces stopped Russian advances.

The ISW says Russian forces are currently prioritising the seizure of Vovchansk because it is likely one of the remaining tactical objectives of the first phase, noting it is the largest settlement immediately on the border that would provide Russian forces with a staging ground to prepare for and launch the second phase.

The Russian objectives of the second phase are not yet clear, the ISW says. It could be to expand the "buffer zone" further in width along the border, or to advance closer to Kharkiv city.

Russian forces have also recently intensified efforts to seize the operationally significant town of Chasiv Yar, the ISW says, seeking to exploit the pressure on stretched Ukrainian forces. 

The number of people killed in Russian strikes on a Kharkiv recreation area has risen from five to six, with an employee of the resort still unaccounted for. 

At least 27 people were injured in the two airstrikes, which came about 20 minutes apart, according to an update from the Kharkiv regional prosecutor's office on Telegram. 

The missing employee was fishing by a reservoir when the attack happened, the update said. 

Two police officers are among the injured, it added. 

The UK's defence secretary has confirmed the military aid that has been "rushed" to Ukraine. 

Grant Shapps said the "world cannot wait" as he urged nations to "step up" and support Kyiv's fight against Russia. 

Among the items sent by the UK are 80 defence missiles, one million rounds of ammunition and 20 Viking amphibious protected vehicles. 

Mr Shapps' tweet comes after he urged allies to give permission to Ukraine to use the weapons they have supplied against targets in Russian-annexed Crimea.

"We have been very, very clear with the world and helpful to Ukraine - for example, providing permissions for our weapons to be used throughout the whole of Ukraine ... that includes Crimea, which was taken by Putin in 2014," he told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: 

"Now, we do not get into how we would allow targeting with our weapons to be used outside of that. But we do provide our weapons to Ukraine in order for them to defend their country."

Pressed on Volodymyr Zelensky's calls for weapons to be available for strikes inside Russia, Mr Shapps said: "I can't go into the specifics of those private conversations about how the weapons are precisely used."

Finland will propose a law that would see it turn back migrants to Russia without processing their asylum applications - despite this potentially breaching its international human rights commitments.

Finland shut its border with Russia last year to stop a growing number of arrivals from countries including Syria and Somalia.

It accused Moscow of weaponising migration against Finland and the European Union, an assertion the Kremlin denies. 

"As this phenomenon is in Russia's hands - who comes, where from and when, to Finland's border - we cannot permit it," Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters.  

"Therefore we have to augment our legislation." 

The bill would allow border authorities to turn back asylum seekers who cross from Russia, with or without using force. But it would not apply to children and disabled people.

The proposal will go to parliament next week, where it will be submitted to the constitutional committee for review. It will need five-sixths of votes cast in parliament to pass - the high bar required for constitutional matters - and success is not certain. 

The General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces have published their daily operational update... 

It says "intense" fighting is ongoing along almost the entire frontline, with 78 "combat clashes" already today, compared to 110 for the entirety of yesterday. 

The Russian forces became increasingly active on the Kharkiv front, with seven clashes reported so far today.

The situation in Kharkiv is "dynamic", it says, with Russian troops trying to push back the Ukrainian units near Vovchansk, Starytsia and Lyptsi.

Russia said on Saturday its forces had captured the village of Starytsia, bringing the total number of villages it has taken in the Kharkiv region to 13.

Russia has been pushing ahead with a ground offensive in recent days that opened a new front in northeastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region and put further pressure on Kyiv's overstretched military. 

Russian forces have also increased their activity on the Siversk front and are attempting to break through Ukrainian defences in Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamianske and Rozdolivka, the update says. 

Oleksandr Usyk defeated British boxing star Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world on Saturday night.

But Fury says the outcome was down to the Ukraine war. 

He disputed his loss after the match, saying: "I believe I won that fight. I think he won a few rounds but I won the majority of them.

"His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion."

In response, Ukrainian Usyk said he was "ready for rematch," but later added: "I don't think about rematch now, I want to rest."

After today's attacks President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again called on Western allies to supply Kyiv with additional air defence systems to protect Kharkiv and other cities. 

He said there were reports "every hour" of fresh attacks. 

"Missiles, bombs, artillery are the only things that allow Russia to continue its aggression," he said on Telegram. 

"The world can stop Russian terror - and to do so, the lack of political will among leaders must be overcome."

"Two Patriots for Kharkiv will make a fundamental difference," he said, referring to Patriot missile defence systems. 

Air defence systems for other cities and sufficient support for soldiers on the front line would ensure Russia's defeat, the president added. 

This morning, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the delay in giving aid to Ukraine gave Russia a window of opportunity for its new offensive. 

Five people have died in strikes on two villages in the Kupiansk district in Kharkiv, local officials say. 

It brings the number of people killed in the Kharkiv region today to 10, after five people died in strikes on a recreation area in a northern suburb of the city of Kharkiv.

Local governor Oleh Syniehubov said Russian forces shelled two villages with a self-propelled multiple rocket launcher. 

At least nine people were injured in the attacks. 

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Please verify you are a human

Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website.

This may happen as a result of the following:

• Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example)
• Your browser does not support cookies

Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading.

Reference ID: e740d8d4-16c1-11ef-a43a-cb1a4972466b

Powered by PerimeterX , Inc.

Boater fatally strikes girl water-skiing in South Florida, flees scene, officials say

A boater struck and killed a girl while she was water-skiing in South Florida and reportedly fled the scene, according to authorities who on Monday were searching for the hit-and-run suspect.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) said about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday the girl was water-skiing near Nixon Beach in Key Biscayne when she was hit by a vessel.

The beach is in Miami-Dade County about 7 miles south of downtown Miami.

The driver fled the scene, the agency reported on social media.

Water-skier died after being struck by boat

The victim, officials reported, later died from injuries she suffered in the crash.

Officials did not release the girl's name or age.

USA TODAY has reached out to the FWC.

New Mexico graduation shooting: Man arrested, accused of shooting stepmom at graduation as she tried to hug him: Police

Boat that killed water-skier described as light blue center console boat

The boat was last seen heading west from Nixon Beach, officials said.

The agency reported it responded to the scene to search for the suspect boat and driver but did not locate either.

Officers described it as a center console boat with a light blue hull with multiple white outboard motors and may have blue or dark blue bottom paint.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has video footage or information about it is asked to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC or Crime Stoppers.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.