Strainers - to do ro not to do...

[Navatech]

The through hull bolts for my main engine scoops were badly corroded and the main (ball) valves were frozen so they had to come out... New through hulls and used but very good condition valves are going back in... The yard people are trying to get me to give up on the strainers and, instead, to install a sort of strainer scoop sort of thing... They say "everybody" does it here (PR)... The holes in either are roughly the same size so filtering wise the result should be the same...

On the one hand, the yard doesn't stand to make a lot of money from the conversion so I don't think their motivation is mercenary... On the other hand, Bertram put them in for a reason... Add to that, they do a lot of things here (PR) that I find doubtful to say the least...

What does the membership say?!...

The boat is a 1985 46'6" Bertram Convertible (SF)... Engines are 550 HP Detroit Diesel 8V92TI's...

[Rawleigh]

I have the Groco external strainers that I added to my existing setup with the internal strainers. I have not had to clean the internal strainers since I put them on. If I ever do anymore work to the intakes the internals are coming out. The only problem with the externals is that if the boat isn't used much in high growth areas the screen will foul easily.

[mike ohlstein]

http://www.bertram31.com/proj/tips/strainers.htm

[Whaler1777]

I have the grocos on my 31 and buck algonquin on my 35... Both have removeable screens, the groco has a trap door that can be opened as well... Get rid of the internals free up room and have fewer possible failure points...

[Whaler1777]

Search this ended eBay auction # 120867805746 email the seller and offer him $200 each... I guarantee he will let them go... You won't find a better price anywhere...

[Navatech]

I hope that ebay guy still has those 6000 series units... I sent him a message and am waiting for a reply... At 200 or even 250 a piece they'd be a steal... Otherwise, I'll see what the Groco 3000 series (for up to 3") go for here in PR... Worst case scenario is that I'll take the local scoops and I'll keep an eye open for a good deal on the Groco's... Then put in the Groco's next time I'm out of the water...

Taking out those strainers is going to open up a lot of space on that rear engine room bulkhead...