Seawater Strainers

[Phildorset]

Forgive my ignorance - but I am thinking that although my strainers don't appear to be full of rubbish, it would be good practice to have them out for a proper check and clean... is this something that I should be doing regularly anyway? or just once a year or if I spot some debris? The boat has been afloat since January & there's nothing to suggest any cooling issues. Thanks for any answers.

 

[sarabande]

Perhaps also check that barnacles are not starting to block up the intakes in the through-hulls. If your strainers are above the water line, you can 'prod' the intake pipe downwards from the strainer with some flexible steel rigging wire of the appropriate length, to discourage any unwanted migrant shellfish.

Probably a useful first response DIY tool in any case, to deal with any plastic bag that takes up residence.

 

[rafiki_]

Phil, I have only accessed mine once in 4 years. I was a bit concerned about bits of muscle shell getting at the impellers, so had a look at them last summer. Wasted my time really, they were doing a great job of filtering the rubbish.

 

[Phildorset]

Phil, I have only accessed mine once in 4 years. I was a bit concerned about bits of muscle shell getting at the impellers, so had a look at them last summer. Wasted my time really, they were doing a great job of filtering the rubbish.

Thanks Paul, that puts my mind at rest... I'll take one out next time I get a little marina time free & take a look. One of the things I enjoy about boating - every day's a school day!

 

[jon and michie]

without trying to barge in on the thread - but does anybody make clear/see through strainer lids?
This would save (in my case) any water spillage on my alternator
jon

 

[Portofino]

The bigger shaft drive boats have glass lidded strainers anyhow .
I have never opened mine ,no cause to .The bolts look quite chunky and sods law is never far away -- ceased - stripped threads , broken glass , poor gasket refit = leak
So unless I can see obvious debris in the basket I,m leaving well alone .
Of couse I exercise the main seacocks ,and close them @ lift out .
I think mine are below the WL so easy fill on lift in if I forget to close them .

Re - clear lid Kad 300 ---Jons Q - there's a black plastic seal under the cap remember .
But yeh -I recall soaking the alternator a time or two .
Waxoil your alternator ,that's what I did otherwise it will corrode ,usually the contacts 1st --symptoms --alternator alarm comes on or tachometer faults .
Clean the contacts at the back and try and "waterproof "them from te effects of seawater .
You have to take the lid off to top up after impeller change as well so plenty of opportunity for alternator soaking @ refill in a tight space .