I'm re-riggin engine compartment and am relocating the raw water strainers. I want to get htem where I can easily view, clean and maintain. The biggest question I have at this point in process--do they need to be below the water line or can I mount them high and really accessible?

Poorsche

I'm not 100%, but I'm pretty sure you can mount them any place you want. Technically, they're only a "see-through", metal and plastic place in a hose. As long as you don't get too crazy, something near the top of the stringers, on the back of the bench bulk head should be fine. Pop the hatch, peer right down on the tops.