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
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

Glenn Ashmore wrote:

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.

Prefer KISS methods.

Install thru hull & sea cock in conventional method, then install a
nipple and a tee with a plug rather than an elbow.

The hose gets connected to the side connection of tee.

If it plugs, remove pipe plug and rod open, then reclose sea cock and
replace plug with out any undue haste.

Lew

In article ,
"Glenn Ashmore" wrote:

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.


I agree with the KISS. Our raw water strainer is to hand when I open the
engine compartment, the wrench is on it, an a sink's within arm reach.
Takes maybe 2 minutes to dump junk out.

Strainer? Too easy to clog and too tough to clean out. We picked up a
big seed once and I was able to clear that with a screwdriver.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

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
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com