I'm new at running in the ocean. Currently my boat does not have any type of Sea Strainers. The boat is a 38' Formula Fastech
with the Factory Pumps. How important is it to run these? How often to they need to be looked at and cleaned? What type does anybody recommend? Obviously I will need to Intall Ball Valves as well, and I assume that these need to be installed between the outdrive and the first Raw Water pump on the engines.

I run MM offshore sea strainers, large. They serve dual purposes, one to keep a flow of water for those few seconds you are airborne , and second is to trap any forign particles, (see weed, grass, some sand) from your water pumps, coolers etc. They are very easy to maintain and clean. I think they are very important to run as they help to keep water flowing to your motors when airborne and keep the blocks etc clean. I like the MM because they are large, the top is easy to screw on and off without clamps, and they look cool. I would make sure that you get sea strainers with three inlets- one to get water to the drives, one to feed water to the pumps and one for a fresh water flush if you are running in the ocean.

good luck

Thanks for the help. I never thought about the airborne aspect.
MM does look like one of the best. that actually the one I was looking into.