Strainer

[dbruce85]

I will be relocating the head intake this spring.
It sits under the v berth taking up valuable storage area. In a 26 ft. boat you need to utilize all the space you can.
I have found great info on installing thru hulls and repairing the old thru hull hole, I plan to do it correctly and install a flanged assembly.
The only thing I have not found info on is the correct way to screw a bronze round strainer into the hull.
I currently have a round strainer over the thru hull and would like to do the same on the new installation.
Do the screws just go into the fiberglass or do I need to predrill and fill with an epoxy first.
Thanks,
David

[mitiempo]

I wouldn't put a strainer in. The only strainers I have seen were on engine cooling water intakes and the most common advice is to eliminate those. The narrow slots are more prone to marine growth than an open through hull. If they get plugged you can't clean them from inside the boat. Without a strainer you can remove the hose from the head and run a smaller hose or a dowel through it to clear if there is not a strainer. They rarely get plugged though.

[capttb]

If you decide to forgo the exterior strainer you may want to consider installing a small mesh strainer on the intake, keeps the bigger chunks of seaweed etc. from going thru your head.
JABSCO PUMPGARD LOW PROFILE INLINE STRAINER 3/4" I Shop.Sailnet.com - sailing resources, shopping, sail, blogs

[cutterorient]

I also have no strainer on my head intake and it has yet to be any problem. this also keeps it simple which I always love - less stuff = reduced probability for something to fail. Cost free risk maintanence. Little bits of growth end up in the terlet, but thats no big whoops for me.

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

I wouldn't put a strainer in.

Neither would I, for the same reasons.