September 2023
When it comes to marine engines, few upgrades are as essential for peace of mind as a properly installed wet exhaust system. As part of our 2022 Beta engine installation, we tackled the installation of a Vetus Wet Exhaust Gooseneck in our engine room — a small component that plays a big role in protecting both our engine and our boat.
The wet exhaust gooseneck is designed to prevent seawater from backflowing into your engine. Especially when your exhaust outlet sits close to or below the waterline, there’s always a risk that following seas, heeling, or even just a bad mooring angle can send water back toward your engine. Water ingestion is one of the fastest ways to damage a marine engine — and it often happens silently, until it’s too late.
The Vetus gooseneck creates a high loop in your exhaust line, forming a physical barrier that helps stop this backflow. Combined with a vented loop, it’s one of the best ways to safeguard your engine’s health.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how we installed the Vetus gooseneck in our engine compartment:
Before breaking out the tools, we mapped out the exhaust run to ensure:
The gooseneck would be the highest point in the exhaust line after the water injection point.
There was sufficient space for easy hose routing without sharp bends.
The unit was accessible for inspection and maintenance.
Tip: Vetus recommends positioning the gooseneck at least 15 inches (about 40 cm) above the waterline when the boat is at rest.
Vetus offers different sizes based on your exhaust hose diameter. We used the LT50 model to match our 51mm exhaust hose. Always double-check your hose size before ordering.
Positioning: We through-bolted the gooseneck securely to the back of the cockpit well in engine room using stainless steel screws, ensuring minimal movement under engine vibration.
Hose Connections: High-quality marine exhaust hose was used, clamped securely at both ends with double stainless hose clamps for redundancy.
Vented Loop Integration: We routed a vented loop ahead of the mixing elbow, discharging safely overboard.
Access: Leave room around the gooseneck for inspection. Regular checks for corrosion, hose condition, and clamp integrity are essential.
Vibration Protection: Use flexible mounts or vibration-resistant hardware to reduce strain on connections.
Test Run: After installation, we ran the engine under load to ensure proper water flow and to check for leaks.
The Vetus wet exhaust gooseneck is one of those behind-the-scenes components that can quietly save you from a costly disaster. Whether you’re refitting your exhaust system or building out a new installation, adding a properly positioned gooseneck is a smart investment in your boat’s reliability.
If you’re considering installing one yourself, take your time with the layout, use quality materials, and don’t hesitate to consult Vetus technical resources or a marine professional if you’re unsure.