Don’t let a two-dollar clamp become the weak link in your Verado or 150-hp FourStroke. The Mercury Clamp 54-888988022 is the factory one-ear ring that secures charge-cooler, fuel, and coolant hoses on dozens of late-model outboards—from 65 Jet right up to the 350 SCi. Formed from 316 stainless and sized at 18.5 mm, it hugs a ⅝-inch hose with uniform, 360-degree pressure—no loose spots, no over-tightened screw to strip.

Why this little ring outlasts generic gear clamps

• One-ear Oetiker design self-adjusts as the hose heats, cools, and shrinks—goodbye drips and “mystery” air leaks.

• Low-profile band (just 7 mm wide) slides past cowl panels and wiring without snagging.

• Exact OEM diameter fits Mercury molded hoses perfectly; no cutting slots or stacking spacers.

• Corrosion-proof stainless stands up to salt spray and electrolysis so the crimp you make this season is still solid next year.

Crimp it once with standard ear-clamp pliers and get back to the launch knowing every ounce of cooling water and every psi of boost will stay exactly where Mercury’s engineers intended—inside the hose, doing its job.