Lost My Raw Water Intake

[LakeOntario270]

I was about to pull out of the dock when I noticed my engine sounded different. I looked over the side and saw no raw water was coming out of the boat. Closed the sea cock and checked the strainer, fine. Then pulled the hose off the sea cock and found this, a fish, nicely cut in half. I then had to open the sea cock and "fish" out the head. The guys at the club said I better get a fishing license before NY finds out about my illegal fishing.

 

[Dr. D]

That happened to me a few months ago! Except I didn't notice the dry exhaust quick enough and needed to replace the muffler due to the damage. Good "catch!"

 

[odaydokay]

That is truly goofy, but.........this is where a "South Bay Strainer" pays off big time. Holes are smaller than the size of BB's and damn near nothing is going to get in there. You were about to pull out of the dock, but what if you had been fighting your way up a narrow channel against a current?

 

[Ken Cross]

I had that happen with some ingested seaweed followed by a jellyfish. It was fun to clean out not

 

[Benny17441]

I once picked up a plastic ice bag which acted as a flap valve. When the engine was sucking water the plastic bag would significantly reduce the water flow but when the engine was out the bag would relax and allow water to flow freely. We disconnected the intake hose and saw a good flow of water gushing in and were baffled. After checking the impeller and ascertaining everything looked good we decide to blow compressed air down the clam shell. That cleared the obstruction and we came to find out it was an ice bag when it was found floating by the stern of the boat. Ice bags in the water, what can you expect from the Jersey shore.

 

[Dalliance]

That is truly goofy, but.........this is where a "South Bay Strainer" pays off big time. Holes are smaller than the size of BB's and damn near nothing is going to get in there. You were about to pull out of the dock, but what if you had been fighting your way up a narrow channel against a current?

Had to Google “South Bay Strainer” to see what it is. I have a slotted scoop type cover on my raw water through hull and have never had an issue. They both serve the same purpose. The only thing about any type of strainer cover is you do have to keep them clean. The water flow can be restricted by marine growth on either side of the strainer or just a sloppy application of bottom paint.

 

[Hydro Therapy]

I once picked up a plastic ice bag which acted as a flap valve. When the engine was sucking water the plastic bag would significantly reduce the water flow but when the engine was out the bag would relax and allow water to flow freely. We disconnected the intake hose and saw a good flow of water gushing in and were baffled. After checking the impeller and ascertaining everything looked good we decide to blow compressed air down the clam shell. That cleared the obstruction and we came to find out it was an ice bag when it was found floating by the stern of the boat. Ice bags in the water, what can you expect from the Jersey shore.

I was looking for that bag. Thanks for cleaning our waters.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Years ago on a previous motorboat of mine, I picked up a condom through the engine water intake. Temp alarm sounded immediately and I fortunately shut the engine down before doing any damage. Had to be towed in and nothing could get it out until the boat was pulled out of the water. Hours & $$$ later I still swear at the A...hole who discarded it. He sure had more fun than I did ! Have now owned my 34 for over 20 years and although quite often traveling in grassy waters, the strainer has prevented any mishap.