Sea strainer for chiller that won't break the bank
 

Well my motor will hopefully be back from the builder soon. I am running a BDS 871 with a chiller. I have a transom mounted pickup that takes a 1-1/4" hose. Does anyone have any luck with the sea strainers made by perko or groco. I found a Groco strainer with 1-1/4" openings for just under $200 bucks. Can I use this? I boat in the Hudson and don't see sand or much junk except what's floating on the surface. I just don't have the cash for one of the big name fancy looking strainers from Hardin marine or Teague or any of those. I dont see why one of the ones I mentioned wouldn't work. Any thoughts?

I did try the search function but only found all kinds of debates on how to run the lines, nothing on sea strainer brand. Heck, do I even need a strainer?