Went up to Put in Bay this weekend, it was the first time we had the boat out this year, kind of had to hurry to get it ready. I was a little nervous because I had just put the drives back on the week before and actually just unwinterized it before we left. We made up under some pretty nasty conditions, air temp was 67 degrees with winds blowing out of the east with anywhere from 4-6 foot rollers, not my ideal first run of the year. Boat ran good and we made it, felt good once we got there, we can relax and have a good time. Then I notice the bilge kicking on more then once within an hour of being there. I figured it would have kicked on once with the rough ride over, we got sprayed several times over the windshield. Turns out its my sea strainer leaking, at first I'm thinking no big deal I'll just pull the lever on the pick ups and stop water flow but apparently that's not a water tight seal because it still leaked. After some further investigating I discovered its the top plate that isn't secured, one of the wing nuts was loose and water was seeping out. More bad news the nut or bolt is stripped and I can't get it secured, nothing available at the local marine supply stores plus we were pushing evening hours. I was afraid of messing with it to much because the shut off wasn't completely shutting off the water and I didn't want to make the situation worse, so I had to worry all night and pray the bilge didn't crap out. I figured though worse case scenario I could pull the hose off the strainer and cable tie it up so that its above the water line.

My question is where can I find the bolt that goes in the strainer, its got a certain kind of end on it that connects to the base so a standard bolt won't work. I haven't determined the exact problem, I'm going to shoot myself its the wing nut. but if its the bolt I'm going to need a new one.

The bilge held up through the night and we had a great time. Drank enough Saturday night that made Saturday a little sluggish. Saw a nice Catamaran up there probably 40+ named JAWS. Guy was hauling arse when he came into the bay.

50+ foot, quad motors. Thing is sweet

Is it totally stripped if not add rubber washers till you can fix it right!What brand sea strainers?

Not sure what kind of strainer it is but go figure I was just up there and I think it's just a stripped wing nut that was probably started crooked. I took the other wing nut off and it threaded. Looks like the bolts don't come off easy either.