Quick way to clean engine intake

[crieders]

The Chesapeake is a messy place. Often I have to remove the engine intake line, unscrew the filter and run a flexible metal wire down and out the boat...then put it all together. I was thinking about putting a Y piece below the filter so that I could access the intake for cleaning without having to remove the filter piece....
Anyone try that?

[scgunner]

Cliff,

By filter I assume you're talking about the strainer (clear plastic w/ S/S screen) above the seacock. You're basically talking about a plumber's clean out. I don't really see any advantage to this setup, rather than just unscrewing the strainer by hand you'll need a wrench to unscrew the threaded cap on the clean out. Either way you're still getting water in the boat.

Living in SoCal kelp is a problem from time to time, sucking it into the intake. First thing I do for a clogged intake is exercise the valve several times, sometimes that's enough to break up the clog. Failing that simply unscrew the strainer open the valve and run a coat hanger type wire or a heavy duty bottle brush through it. You'll get some water in the boat but nothing the bilge pump can't handle. Plus you can clean the strainer while it's off.

[Ron Hill]

cliff : I installed a round bronze strainer in the outside of the hull for the engine intake of raw water. Did that n25 years ago and have never had to take any "snake" to any thing in that line.

A thought

[Noah]

I have to disagree with Ron on this. Much more chance to have the "holes" in the outside-mounted bronze clamshell foul with debris, binnacles, seaweed, etc. your boat your choice, but I wouldn't do it. Mainesail agrees it is not a good idea.

https://forums.sailboatowners.com/threads/why-i-dislike-like-external-strainers.124964/

[Jon W]

I installed a Vetus brand strainer mounted slightly above the water line. The top can be opened with the sea cock open and no water spills out. It's a straight line to outside the boat if you need to clear the sea cock.