Raw water intake blocked twice in a weekend - Just unlucky?

[A1Sailor]

Would you consider fitting a "Vetus Strainer"?

https://www.marinesuperstore.com/en...oOhP3AVn9cn3TOXRLSNr2wM4Ewy7uf0hoCfyEQAvD_BwE

I think, with the top removed, you can "rod" all the way down to the open seacock to remove any blockage. Seems an easier fit than drilling another hole in your hull to reposition the intake seacock.
The unit is well above sea level, so you won't sink. Also very useful for your autumn anti-freeze flush, either ashore or afloat. With the seacock closed, you just unscrew the top and pour in your water/anti-freeze mix with the engine running. Or if you want to run the engine ashore, just use water - you need lots...
You obviously need to collect your "exhaust water" 'coz anti-freeze is harmful to the environment.

Only minor issue is you need to ensure the top is screwed on with an airtight seal, otherwise the impellor won't draw water in/up from the seacock. You just need to make sure the rubber seal is clean, and adequately compressed.

Edit: Didn't see (read!) the earlier posts about strainers, but the setup in the pic on my boat was pretty useful - although I never had a blockage...

 

[Ruffles]

Just a thought.
Whenever I look in our strainer I find weed. Particularly in Summer. Obviously I empty it but it doesn't mean it was blocked enough to affect flow.
Is the engine getting hot and you're assuming it's because the strainer is blocked? Could it be something else?

 

[Jokani]

Weed in the Blackwater is really bad too and caught us out when running our generator the other weekend. Last year it also blocked the engine.

Adz/Maria , I seem to bump in to you everywhere, not just on the Stour!