Rigging Hose & Flanges
What Are Marine Rigging Hose & Flanges?
Rigging hose and flanges are essential components in any outboard motor setup. Rigging hose and flanges work together to route and protect the critical bundle of cables, wires, and hoses that run between your boat and its outboard engine. As one marine resource describes it, this bundle "delivers essential fuel, electrical power, and throttle and shift commands" — meaning the entire control and communication link between helm and engine depends on keeping these components in good shape.
The rigging hose itself is a corrugated, flexible conduit that encases control cables and electrical wiring as they travel from the transom to the outboard. The rigging flange is the mounting piece that connects the hose to the boat's hull, creating a clean, sealed passthrough. Together, they protect cables and wiring from the harsh realities of the marine environment: dirt, abrasion, prolonged UV exposure, and water intrusion.
Why Rigging Hose & Flanges Matter
Anywhere wire passes above deck or through the hull on an outboard-equipped boat, proper sealing and protection is critical. Rigging flanges are especially important for outboard applications, where they protect both the boat and the wiring where the wiring runs from the deck into the outboard. Without a properly fitted rigging hose, cables are left exposed to chafing, kinking, and corrosion — problems that can lead to costly electrical failures or even compromise throttle and shift control.
A well-designed rigging hose is durable, flexible, and kink-resistant, ensuring it can flex freely as the outboard tilts and swings through its full range of motion. The flange, typically molded from polypropylene, threads onto the hose to hold it securely in place and allows for easy adjustment if the rigging needs to be repositioned. Some flanges also include a fuel hose port, which allows the fuel primer bulb to remain accessible while keeping all other rigging neatly organized.
What to Look for When Shopping
- Hose diameter: Most outboard applications use 2" rigging hose, but smaller (1.25") and larger (2.5") options exist — always match the hose size to your existing rigging or flange.
- Material and flexibility: Look for kink-resistant, UV-stabilized corrugated hose that can handle constant movement without cracking or collapsing.
- Flange finish: Flanges are available in black, white, gray, and chrome to match your boat's aesthetic and transom trim.
- Complete kits vs. individual components: Kits that pair a flange with several feet of hose are convenient for full replacements, while individual flanges suit simple upgrades or repairs.
- Mounting style: Check whether you need a standard flange or one with inverted-mount capability, which can be important depending on transom layout.
Top Brands in Marine Rigging Hose & Flanges
T-H Marine is the leading name in this category and a go-to supplier for OEM boat builders across the United States. Their rigging hose is widely regarded as the hose of choice for most U.S. boat builders, and their complete flange-and-hose kits make it straightforward to upgrade or replace outboard rigging on virtually any boat. T-H Marine flanges feature an internally threaded polypropylene design for secure hose retention and simple adjustments, with a textured back for inverted mounting.