Glenn,
There are 1000 ways to solve this problem, but I close a straight pipe
verticle from the bottom and a large ball valve flange mounted to that.
Again a flange mounted pipe verticle to the ball valve. On top of the ball
valve, I have the bronze strainer can that has a bottom pipe feed and a side
exit. The top is clear lexan. The entire bronze strainer can is above the
water line. This allows me to remove the lexan top, then the basket without
flooding the boat. Because the path is straight without obstructions, a
broom handle can easily clear anything ingested. I have another path the
same way but is used for a cockpit drain.
Steve

"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
...
First, I had an idea while backwashing the pool a few minutes ago.
Cleaning out the engine raw water strainer can be a chore while underway.
Grocco has an expensive self cleaning strainer/insinkerator but has anyone
considered putting a tee with two stops just after the strainer and
running pressurized fresh water to it? Then you would turn off the engine
supply and turn on the fresh water and blow what ever crud is in the
strainer basket back out the throughhull. Probably need a check valve on
the fresh water line to prevent accidental contamination but it should at
least get the strainer flowing enough to get going again.

The other thing is should a sailboat have a strainer over the throughhull?
Seems that a jellyfish could clog it completely where as it would be
harder to completely clog a strainer basket.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
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