Shields Hose

Shields Hose: The Marine Industry Standard for On-Board Fluid Systems

Shields Hose is one of the most recognized names in marine plumbing, trusted by boaters and boatyards worldwide to keep critical fluid systems running safely and reliably. A brand under the SeaStar Solutions family, Shields has built its reputation on producing purpose-engineered hose products designed specifically for the demands of the marine environment — where saltwater corrosion, fuel exposure, and constant vibration can defeat lesser materials.

Marine hoses from Shields cover a remarkable range of on-board applications. From engine cooling water intake and bilge discharge to sanitation lines, potable water supply, air conditioning, and holding tank venting, the Shields catalog addresses virtually every plumbing need a vessel can present. Each product line is built around specific performance requirements, with options ranging from reinforced PVC tubing for freshwater supply to heavy-duty EPDM compounds for chemical and heat resistance.

What sets Shields apart from generic alternatives is its commitment to compliance. Shields hoses are engineered to meet or exceed the strict standards set by the USCG, ABYC, SAE, EPA, and NMMA — the regulatory bodies that govern marine safety in the United States and beyond. For professional marine technicians and serious boat owners alike, that certification trail matters enormously when a system failure at sea is not an option.

The brand's flagship ShieldsFlex II (Series 250) is a prime example of that engineering philosophy. This wet exhaust hose features a black synthetic rubber tube reinforced with a wire helix embedded between layers of heavy-duty synthetic cord, giving it the flexibility to handle long runs and moderate bends without collapsing under pressure. It offers double the ozone resistance required by SAE J2006 standards, and its construction resists exhaust fumes, mild chemicals, antifreeze, and saltwater — the full spectrum of harsh conditions found in a marine engine compartment.

Shields also produces a robust range of marine fuel hose and bulk fuel hose products. These lines incorporate low-permeation barrier technology to comply with EPA and CARB requirements, making them suitable for modern fuel blends including gasoline with up to 85% ethanol and all bio-diesel blends. Proper fuel hose selection is a safety-critical decision on any vessel, and Shields provides clearly specified series to match the correct hose to each application.

Rounding out the lineup, Shields marine hose clamps are manufactured from marine-grade 316 stainless steel to resist the corrosion that inevitably attacks lesser hardware in saltwater environments. Using the correct clamp — and replacing clamps whenever hoses are serviced — is a best practice that Shields supports with a full range of worm gear and T-bolt styles sized to their hose series.

Whether you are re-plumbing a classic cruiser, maintaining a sport fishing boat, or building out a new vessel, Shields Hose offers a complete, standards-compliant solution for every hose run on board.