While idling waiting for a docking assignment at Lagoon Cove, we sucked another chunk of seaweed into our raw water intake. We quickly got to the dock before the engine overheated and cleared the blockage with our compressed air fog horn blown into the hose connected to the through hull. Worked like a charm. Thanks, John! Gary Wyngarden s/v Wanderlust h37.5
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Gary, there's a really real cure for that.
Install a colander style strainer on the outside of the hull. They go right over the thru-hull. Mine have a perfect record after 18 years.
Install a colander style strainer on the outside of the hull. They go right over the thru-hull. Mine have a perfect record after 18 years.
Collander Strainer?
I did some research last year into strainers and the "collander type" strainer is basically used for low-draw intake to such things as a generator. Although I have seen them successfully used for raw water engine intake, the most commonly used strainer for raw water intake is a slotted strainer available at any retailer. I guess that the choice is your's. I replaced mine last year. I had exactly the same problems as Gary.
See his posting in the archives.
I did some research last year into strainers and the "collander type" strainer is basically used for low-draw intake to such things as a generator. Although I have seen them successfully used for raw water engine intake, the most commonly used strainer for raw water intake is a slotted strainer available at any retailer. I guess that the choice is your's. I replaced mine last year. I had exactly the same problems as Gary.
See his posting in the archives.Get the hinged type if you can...
I found a significant growth of barnacles on the interior of my intake (beyond the strainer, too far in to reach with fingers)when I bought the boat, which could have significantly reduced the water flow had I not found it. I would suggest installing the hinged screen type or at least installing the strainer in such a way that it's removable for maintenance (the typical strainer is attached to the pipe and doesn't come off).
I found a significant growth of barnacles on the interior of my intake (beyond the strainer, too far in to reach with fingers)when I bought the boat, which could have significantly reduced the water flow had I not found it. I would suggest installing the hinged screen type or at least installing the strainer in such a way that it's removable for maintenance (the typical strainer is attached to the pipe and doesn't come off).
Cleared with dinghy pump
Just last week ran into same problem. Took apart the strainer and used the high pressure end of our dinghy pump to clear the line; opened the thru-hull and listened for bubbles; very impressed with ourselves. A year ago, took apart the piping, piece by piece, clearing each by hand, including the thru-hull; what a mess and disgusting too. Like the air horn approach too. Next year - installing strainers. Do these simply screw onto the hull? Any help with length/type of screw would be appreciated. Have personal fear of putting screw through hull, creating a leak. Paul
Just last week ran into same problem. Took apart the strainer and used the high pressure end of our dinghy pump to clear the line; opened the thru-hull and listened for bubbles; very impressed with ourselves. A year ago, took apart the piping, piece by piece, clearing each by hand, including the thru-hull; what a mess and disgusting too. Like the air horn approach too. Next year - installing strainers. Do these simply screw onto the hull? Any help with length/type of screw would be appreciated. Have personal fear of putting screw through hull, creating a leak. Paul
Fred - Strainer info?
Thanks for the kudo Gary! Looks like you're taking it nice and easy. By the way, I understand Lagoon Cove is great for hiking and whale watching in the Telegraph Cove area. It's starting to warm up and get a bit humid here and we want to get outa here before it gets much worse. Hope everything else is going fine for you. Also, be sure to watch out for serious weather around the Aug 6th through 8th time-frame. Fred - 18 years and no problems? Since you have the same engine I have that should work good for me too. I've seen them used on other boats but it never seemed to get onto my radar screen as a project. By any chance could you find a WM part # or an internet cite for what you have? And, VERY important, that thing doesn't cause too much drag does it???
Thanks for the kudo Gary! Looks like you're taking it nice and easy. By the way, I understand Lagoon Cove is great for hiking and whale watching in the Telegraph Cove area. It's starting to warm up and get a bit humid here and we want to get outa here before it gets much worse. Hope everything else is going fine for you. Also, be sure to watch out for serious weather around the Aug 6th through 8th time-frame. Fred - 18 years and no problems? Since you have the same engine I have that should work good for me too. I've seen them used on other boats but it never seemed to get onto my radar screen as a project. By any chance could you find a WM part # or an internet cite for what you have? And, VERY important, that thing doesn't cause too much drag does it???
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