engine intake clogged with weeds

[Ian]

Last season was our first with our boat, a 1988 Legend 37. We were constantly plagued with weeds clogging up the water intake for the engine (Yanmar diesel) and although we were able to work around this with some creativity, I have noticed that the other boats in the marine yard have a brass plate over the exterior of the intake to prevent weeds from entering. Does anyone have any helpful hints on this, in terms of purchasing such an item, how to attache it (sicoflex?) or other suggestions.Lets all be sailing soon,Ian

 

[Colin]

use a strainer inboard.

Do you know that the brass plate works? I would imagine if the brass plate stops the weeds, then it would clog up and in a place that is hard to reach!!! If it doesn't then the weeds will still get past and reach your engine filter.I use a strainer that is evry easy to clean between my water intake and my engine. If it clogs I can clean it in about 30 seconds and be on my way again.

 

[Pete]

weed problems

Ian, your boat should have a internal strainer if not get one as suggested in previous post. the brass plates you talk about also work and in a very heavy weed infested waters you may want both.there are several types but they basical mount over the thur hull (screwed or thru bolted in)There are available at most marine centers or catalog dealers.

 

[Ken Osborne]

Clogged Intakes

I had bad problem with seaweed clogging up the thru-hull before it ever got to the in-board strainer on my 29.5. I solved the prob by putting a T after the thru-hull valve with a screwed on cap at the top. The hose barb is mounted in the middle opening of the T. If the thru-hull gets clogged, I just shut off the thru-hull valve, unscrew the top cap, reopen the valve and ram a metal cloths hanger straight down to clear the jam. Water will start to come back in, so you shut the thru-hull valve, replace the cap and hose and your on your way. Personally, I would never put a brass strainer on the outside of the hull intake because if it gets clogged or you suck a plastic bag or something like that, you'll have to dive under to clear it. You may not have time to dive if your engine overheats in a crowded seaway or other dangerous situation. Hope this helps.

 

[Brian C.]

Same problem on '88 Legend 35

We had the same problem on our Legend 35. Weeds or grass would get stuck in the throat of the thruhull before ever reaching the strainer. The thruhull was in a hard to reach place which made it a pain to clear the obstruction.Since upgrading to a 380, we have had exactly "0" clogs in 2 years after having them every few months on the Legend 35.If I had to do it again, I would see exactly what they have on the newer boats and try to install it on your '37.Good luckBrians/v CREW REST

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

If the engine intake can get clogged with weeds,

so can a heat/ac intake and a raw water toilet intake. So I'd put strainers on those intakes too.