I hear that Daniel, I'm probably going to pull the motors for the off season so if I cant get at them now then surely I could go that route at that point. Along the same lines I thought of threading a ball valve into the strainer but what stopped me is the leverage the nipple and valve would have on the tigged fitting if left unsupported. I figured for now I'll do a valve close to the strainer w 2 barbed ends so its: through hull fitting-hose-ballvalve-hose strainer. Thats a great suggestion you have but I kinda feel the same way about it as threading a valve into the strainer in terms of hanging leverage. Are the valves you have on your intakes supported in addition to being threaded in?

Your idea will work just fine (barbed ends) , I`ll take a picture for you tomorrow, might make more sense . the pick up is what supports the valve. I see what you mean by threading into the strainer ... sounds iffy

Cool, looking forward to the pics; thanks.