Mounting sea strainer
#12
You definitely want the ball valve in the water line between the strainer and the outdrive. The strainer is there to stop debris from getting into the pump. Since you're adding the strainer, you also want to have your fresh water flush inlet on the other side of the strainer from the ball valve (ie: between strainer and raw water pump). This way, you can fresh water flush with the boat in the water by simply shutting the valve off. Also, with the flush inlet on this side, you can also back-flush the strainer with fresh water when it gets clogged. I have found that the easiest way to clear a strainer with the boat in the water is to shut the valve, remove the lid and then momentarily open the valve to let the water in and it will push all of the crap up and over into the bilge where you can then pump it out. Obviously, you want to keep the valve closed when you put the lid back on or you will flood the boat.
#18
Registered
If im reading your description correctly there are 3 inlets/outlets?
You definitely want the ball valve in the water line between the strainer and the outdrive. The strainer is there to stop debris from getting into the pump. Since you're adding the strainer, you also want to have your fresh water flush inlet on the other side of the strainer from the ball valve (ie: between strainer and raw water pump). This way, you can fresh water flush with the boat in the water by simply shutting the valve off. Also, with the flush inlet on this side, you can also back-flush the strainer with fresh water when it gets clogged. I have found that the easiest way to clear a strainer with the boat in the water is to shut the valve, remove the lid and then momentarily open the valve to let the water in and it will push all of the crap up and over into the bilge where you can then pump it out. Obviously, you want to keep the valve closed when you put the lid back on or you will flood the boat.
#20
It depends on the strainer. The minimum is an inlet and outlet for the raw water and some have the flush inlet right on the strainer in which case, yes there would be three ports on the strainer. If the strainer only has two ports, then you can add a tee in the line between the strainer and the sea water pump and connect your flush there.. this is how my previous boat was set up.