Water Outlets & Washdown Spigots

What Are Marine Water Outlets & Washdown Spigots?

Water outlets and washdown spigots are essential deck-mounted fittings that form the interface between your boat's onboard plumbing system and the outside world. Water inlets serve as dedicated entry points for shore water to connect to your vessel's pressurized system while moored at the dock. Water outlets and washdown spigots, on the other hand, provide a connection point for discharging water or hooking up a hose to your onboard supply — invaluable for rinsing down decks, cleaning anchors and chains, or flushing out fish boxes after a long day on the water.

Together, these fittings form the foundation of most onboard water systems, bridging fresh water tanks, pressurized plumbing lines, and the exterior deck in a compact, weather-resistant package. Whether you need a simple chrome brass fitting or a heavy-duty 316 stainless steel unit built for saltwater abuse, choosing the right component is critical for long-term reliability and leak-free performance.

Why Material and Construction Matter

Marine environments are uniquely demanding — constant exposure to salt air, UV rays, and moisture can quickly degrade inferior hardware. Look for fittings constructed from marine-grade materials such as 316 stainless steel, bronze, or chrome-plated brass. These resist corrosion far better than standard hardware-store fittings and are engineered to maintain a watertight seal over years of use. Most quality water outlets include a watertight plug or cap to keep the fitting sealed when not in use, preventing water intrusion into the boat's interior plumbing.

Installation is also worth thinking about carefully. Many washdown spigots use a standard 1/2" FIPT pipe thread connection on the interior side, making them compatible with common marine hose barb fittings. A separate ball valve or gate valve is typically required to regulate water flow — so plan your plumbing layout before you begin. Routine inspection of these fittings helps catch worn seals or corrosion early, preventing leaks and keeping your system operating smoothly season after season.

Top Brands in Water Outlets & Washdown Spigots

Sea-Dog Line is one of the most trusted names in this category. With over 80 years of experience producing premium marine hardware in materials including stainless steel, bronze, and chrome-plated brass, Sea-Dog offers both fresh water inlets and washdown water outlets engineered for demanding marine environments. Their products are widely trusted by professional mariners and DIY boaters alike, and their fittings are commonly specified to align with ABYC standards for safety-minded installations.

Perko brings more than a century of American marine manufacturing heritage to the plumbing fittings category. Founded in 1907 and now a fifth-generation manufacturer, Perko produces a broad catalog of marine plumbing components including water inlet and outlet fittings. Their fittings are known for precise machining — including flanges designed to fit hulls tightly and retain bedding compound for a secure, watertight installation.

T-H Marine rounds out the lineup with practical, boat-ready washdown fittings designed for the freshwater and saltwater fishing market. T-H Marine has a strong reputation among bass and tournament anglers for producing functional, purpose-built marine accessories, and their washdown fittings reflect that same commitment to simplicity and reliability on the water.

Shopping Tips for Water Outlets & Washdown Spigots

• Match the fitting material to your environment — 316 stainless steel is ideal for saltwater, while chrome brass suits freshwater applications well.
• Confirm thread sizes before ordering: most fittings use 1/2" FIPT on the plumbing side and 3/4" garden hose thread on the exterior.
• Plan for a separate shutoff valve if your chosen outlet does not include one built in.
• Look for fittings that include a watertight plug or cap to protect the port when not in use.
• Inspect seals and fittings at the start of each boating season to catch wear before it becomes a leak.