Question re raw water strainer.

[grimmy]

Hi, I am just fitting a new raw seawater strainer, the type that fits on a bulkhead (Volvo, Vetus etc). Now does anyone know whether these need to be fitted at, above or below the waterline? or dosen't it matter.

 

[asj1]

Above the waterline, then you can open it and clean it without cosing the seacock.

Regards

 

[VicS]

The Vetus catalogue indicates a minimum of 6" above the water line, measured to the bottom of the strainer body, but I would be worried about priming it before running the water pump dry. Perhaps you can fill it manually before closing it.

 

[snowleopard]

If you're getting the Vetus type it's essential that the lid forms an airtight seal or, being above the waterline you'll suck air not water. The usual thing is a bit of vaseline on the O-ring seal. You tend to end up tightening it so much you then can't undo it! My solution was to make wrench from a length of timber with 2 pegs sticking out to engage the raised parts of the lid.

 

[totopalm]

Yup agree with Snowleopard, i made a tool using an old
table tennis bat, just cut a cross in the bat to fit over the
raised cross on the lid of strainer. Voila!! Tony