I was thinking of running a 12.5' or 25' stick of hose, then continue on with steel. Is this safe, practical, or is there a better way. I usually can't run steel to start off due to obstructions. Whatta you guys think.

If you have to run hose first because of bends or change of elevation then do it, but pipe is better all around I run a 58m and when I have system a straight run no matter how far I use a 10' rubber hose @ the end of my boom it just makes it easier if you have to break down the whole system for some reason.

depends on if your coming off a boom or linepump? boom a hose is mandatory,linepump as long as it can handle the pressure and is in good shape no problem,it also depends on the distance you are pumping with the linepump if its a long push make sure the hose is wire braid and in good working order

 When using the boom and pipe a strong rubber flex hose should always be between boom and pipe.A flex hose will act as a "shock absorber" and dissipate any damaging affects a surging pipeline will have on the booms integrity.

Steel pipe hs about 1/7th the drag coeficient of hose, therefore reducing preasure on the pump kit.

I like using all pipe then a small amount of hose maybe 4. It is just so much easier on the pump to use mostly pipe.