Heads inlet throughhull dilemma

[KenMcCulloch]

I'm in the process of renewing the heads inlet. I wondered what the panel thinks about whether I really, really need to have a grating on the outside? I am using a skin fitting with a plain open end (and please, no helpfully intended observations about the type of fitting to use; there are very good reasons for the choice of components in this case). The boat is of clinker construction which means that any of the standard grates available for fitting over the skin fitting would require a bit of customising by grinding a bit off one side in order to fit between the skin fitting and the next plank. All rather time consuming if not really, really necessary.

So what I am asking is whether anyone who has operated a boat with an unprotected intake skin fitting for any length of time has had problems with objects fouling the valve or the opening? Can I get away with not having a grating?

 

[Spars]

Mine's unprotected and I've never had a problem but then once you're offshore there's not a lot to get stuck up there, now I've said that it will probably go wrong.

 

[Salty John]

I've had four boats with fitted heads and none has had a grating on the inlet seacock. I've never had a problem with clogging of the inlet.

 

[DanTribe]

It probably mainly depends on the type of loo. I can't imagine that a Lavac would have any problem with small bits of debris, but other loos do have more vulnerable valves.
I have heard of inlets being blocked by pine needles and jellyfish but a strainer may not have been much use in those circumstances.
I fitted an inlet strainer on my clinker Stella. As you say, you have to grind away one edge to make it fit the lands. It only take a few moments with an angle grinder.

 

[l'escargot]

I've had two boats with open inlets for the heads and no problems, one midships and the current one is in the bow.

 

[narooma]

Have gratings on mine and the biggest problem has been the gratings getting blocked. How the system would cope with the various growths that I find on the hull I don't know. Probably try it without for a season as that is the easiest option and you could always retro-fit if it wasn't satisfactory.

 

[KenMcCulloch]

[ QUOTE ]
........ try it without for a season as that is the easiest option and you could always retro-fit if it wasn't satisfactory.

[/ QUOTE ]

I was thinking that might be the way to do it. The fiiting will have a ball valve on it so if it did block easy enough to take the hose off and ose a poky thing to clear it. Thanks for the replies.

 

[damo]

Lavac, no grating, never had a problem

 

[Billjratt]

Could depend on where you anchor. In Craighouse (Jura) for instance it's shallow enough for the grassweed to get sucked into the system and it may jam a valve depending on cludgie type.

 

[michael_w]

Biggest problem with an external grill is the little wrigglers taking up residence behind the grill. Apart from poking them with a bit of wire, there isn't a lot you can do; short of taking the seacock apart.

I wouldn't bother with any grill myself.

 

[captainslarty]

One option is to install the Y arrangement (dont know its actual name (asap sell them) which allow you to 'rod' the inlet if necessary.
You fit an open through hull and attach it to that (with a seacock )

 

[Adamastor]

IMHO, I wouldn't bother with the strainer outside. anything that they keep out will be bigger than stuff that could affect your heads mechanism unless it's a Lavac, aka "sea-goat, cos they eat anything), in which case, why bother?
If you really want a secure, simple solution, put an inline strainer like a Jabsco Pumpguard after the seacock. The clear housing will let you see if anything's in the line, and you'll be able to clear it. If you need to rod your skinfitting, you'll easily be able to open the filter and poke a long cable-tie (my seagoing drainrod of choice) thru the skinfitting.