Sea Strainer Question

T

TurboWarp

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I saw the the other thread on strainers but did not want to hijack that one. I checked my strainers the other day before going on a trip to Solomons. We returned today and had a great time. Anyway, when I checked the strainers they were dirty. I cleaned the internal strainer like I always do y remove it (them) and spray them down with a hose; then reinserted. I had no problems on my trip with water cooling and never have. My question is: what is the glass part of the strainer for? When I look at the glass it is not clear. Does it unscrew? Does it need to be cleaned?

Thanks....
 
Since the basket collects most of the weed/debris inside and even if the glass was clear you wouldn't be able to see strainer contents without opening & checking, I figure at best the glass pretty much just helps determine there is water inside.
Since most water we boat in has some suspended grit and algae, the glass generally doesn't stay very clear even when newish, but sometimes I optimistically squeeze my hand in with paper towels and imporve the view slightly.
Most strainers can be dismantled but that hold no interest to me.
I think some newer Grocos have transparent lids which undoubtedly get cloudy as well but are likely easier to clean.
 
You can clean the "glass", it's really plastic, out with acid and a brush if need be. Or scrape it clean and shop vac it out. You can see into them with a flashlight or work light. In most cases it's better to put the light on the back side of the strainer to look through it. But as Andy mentioned in most cases it's better to open them to get a good look.
 
Thanks for the replies.

Is it worth trying to clean? Would it make water flow better?
 
I don't believe it will make any difference in flow. We do put bromide tablets in all our strainer baskets which helps keep things cleaner than I expected. I do use bromide not chlorine. I have to replace about mid yr.
 
You can clean the inside of the strainers with a baby bottle brush. I use a flashlight behind the glass to check if my BROMINE tablet needs a new one. All I mostly get down here in Florida is some of the sea grass once in awhile. The BROMINE keeps the barnicles from growing in the strainers.
One VERY IMPORTANT note, if you go away for a month or two do not leave the BROMINE in your strainer if they are not going to run. It will generate a deadly gas if water is not cycled through the strainer.
 
I never clean the glass or try to look thru, I just open them and empty the baskets.
 
I keep mine clean and by doing so, I can definitely see if the strainer needs to be pulled. A little dawn detergent and a toilet bowl brush works great. I use a flashlight, I like the swiveled head types so you can easily get a good angle to shine trough the side or bottom of the "glass". Checking all the strainers is part of the departure checklist; in between trips, the AC strainer gets checked every few days.

George
Hatteras 56MY (6 strainers)
Boston Whaler 130 Sport (none)
 
I use Fernstrum Grid Coolers, what are these strainers ya'll speak of.
 
quote:
Originally posted by TurboWarp

Thanks for the replies.

Is it worth trying to clean? Would it make water flow better?

Click to expand...


Well it certainly can't hurt to keep them clean.

And if you never clean them things can not only grow on the glass but up into the water passages. And block, or in some cases cut off, the flow of water.

Cleaning out strainer baskets and there glass sides is a routine maintenance item.
 
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