Through-Hull Intake Strainer install planned

[Lt.Mike]

Having spent last summer washing the deck by dumping water from a bucket I have since picked up a washdown pump.
I went with < http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-mari ... --13997978 >
should have enough power but ... the directions it provided seem intentionally vague.
My Overnighter does not have an intake strainer so I have to drill a hole in the hull. I spoke with my mechanic buddy at the local Grady dealership and now I'm surprisingly comfortable with the idea. I know how and where but I didn't think to ask what size. :roll:
The fittings for the pump have an inner diameter of about 1/2" and an outer diameter of 3/4" calling for 3/4" ID hose to be used.
I'm looking at a 1/2" bronze strainer. I don't want to starve the pump or ram too much pressure into it with to big of a strainer either.
I'm probably over thinking it but is 1/2" right or should I go with a 3/4" strainer?
Incidentally I'm going bronze with the strainer and the shutoff valve. Cheap insurance.
Mike.

 

[DennisG01]

Go with the 3/4" strainer. Don't worry about the "pressure" - you're over thinking. Better to go with the 3/4" in case you end up with a different pump (or something else) in the future that needs a bigger intake.

Your buddy, by chance, didn't happen to recommend using 3M5200 for the sealant of the intake strainer, did he?

You might already be doing this, but be sure to chamfer the edge of the holes (large hole and screw holes) on the outside to avoid gelcoat spider cracking down the road. It also provides for more area for sealant. Also, coat the cut edge with epoxy or poly resin to seal the fiberglass.

Excellent call on going bronze.

 

[Lt.Mike]

Dennis thanks for the quick response. Your a good guy. You make a good point so yes the 3/4" makes sense.
3M 5200 is right up there with wd40 and duct tape so ya it was in the plans. :wink:
I had found this on youtube which lays it all out pretty well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8oprSN59A8
On another note, I was lucky as a friend had just built a big pole barn with a cement floor this past fall. He was kind enough to let me store my Grady inside warm and dry for the winter. That made for a stress free winter. I opened all the hatches letting air and dry out for the winter. I still have to sort out the issue with the motor but I have come to terms with that and will deal with that when all threat of a late snowfall has passed.
If the motor is beyond help I'll just fish from my tin boat and repair / restore the little stuff until I can afford a repower.
Incidentally I'll be officially retired come June first! lots of time to work on it.
Mike.

 

[DennisG01]

Yeah, that 5200 certainly gets around - if you listen to many "online" sources, one would think that it is magic.

Good video - I skipped through it a bit, but I like the magnet trick. That's something I've never thought of - I've always taken numerous measurements from known locations and transferred that to the other side. Then measured again...

Although it's not 100% necessary, I usually glass-in a block to the inside - to add strength to the hole. Not all manufacturer's do this, but there are some very good ones that do. Might just be to "make me feel better" - but I prefer overbuilt to good-enough.

Personally, I would use BoatLife LifeCalk, but 4000UV is good, too. I'd use 4200 before 4000, though as there's no need for the UV inhibitors in 4000 and I think 4200 is a longer lasting product than 4000.

Inside storage... retiring....... braggart! :mrgreen: