Hunter 306 Raw Water Intake Grill

[Yorshire Rose]

I'm a new owner of a Hunter 306 and the previous own has removed the raw water intake grill (outside of hull) on the Kingston valve. I am thinking I should replace it. I will be sailing in Lake Ontario is there a issue with installing the grill? Zebra mussels?

Thanks

 

[Capt jgw]

If you have a strainer on the inside, you don't need the screen on the outside. In fact, the zebras will attach under the grill and plug it up, probably why the PO removed it. They love places with moving water. I have a removable grill on mine and it's always full of mussels in the fall. I think this year I will leave it off. I do find the outside screen is better at keeping the milfoil (invasive seaweed) out which is why I installed it, but that hasn't been as bad where I'm at lately.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Why External Strainers are a Bad Idea 101 (Maine Sail) http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=124964

 

[Capt jgw]

Why External Strainers are a Bad Idea 101 (Maine Sail) http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=124964

Yup, third picture down, that's what mine looks like, full of zebra mussels. I'm leaving of it off this year.

 

[Yorshire Rose]

Yes, I have an internal strainer and unclogging from the inside is a great idea. The pics of some of the strainers are something else. I think I will leave it off this year and check in the fall. Maybe a quick dive to check during the summer. Thank you both for the great insight.

 

[Ken13559]

Depending on your waters, some has "jelly fish" (plastic bags) that gets sucks into the intake. For this occasion an outside strainer is the deal.