sea cock with bottom strainer

[wknd@bernies]

I am installing a new sea cock for my installation of air conditioning. I am having a brain lapse. Does anyone know what direction the strainer on the bottom of the hull goes. I am thinking the slots towards the bow. Turned the other way it seems like it would push water away from the sea cock.


Thank You

 

[Russ Calasant]

It's my understanding that it's best to mount the slots facing the rear. Under way if they are facing forward you are forcing water into it. Facing the rear will also increase vacuum if you run it underway. Again, its my understanding- take a look at other boats if you can.

 

[copb8tx]

Hmmm, I installed one on my '88 300WE for a genset I put in and faced the slots forward. I never had any issues with water pressure. It seems to me if they face rearward they won't pick up any water while underway.

 

[Alex F]

Yeap, facing forward it is.

 

[Henry Boyd]

If you are using the same type of pump that SR uses with a clutch, you can mount the scoop facing the bow.

Henry

 

[Loneranger]

The idea with a scoop is to force water into the seacock. I have one mounted to the seacock that supplies my AC pump which is not self priming and without a scoop to force water into the AC pump I would have to manually prime it. This is why there is no scoop on the seacock that supplies say the generator since this pump is impeller based and is self priming and you do not want water forced into the generator without it running.

Now the OP states "strainer" not scoop. An external strainer should have no orientation.

John

 

[Russ Calasant]

Hmmm, I installed one on my '88 300WE for a genset I put in and faced the slots forward. I never had any issues with water pressure. It seems to me if they face rearward they won't pick up any water while underway.

Wow, I'm surprised. Mine has no strainer or scoop at all. I have heard of them acting like a scoop and forcing water in hydrolocking the motor as a result. I wouldn't think it would be as important with AC- they are all pumps that should pull in water.
But a scoop on a genset thru hull?! Bad news unless it runs all the time and if not shut off the seacock but don't forget!

 

[wvsundancer]

Remeber to check your strainer at lest monthly during the boating season.. we boat on the river and I pick up all kinds of crap in my strainer

 

[wileecoyote]

I'm assuming he means one of these? If so mine are facing the bow.