sea strainer on 185

[dieselsmoke]

Hey all, Does anyone have a sea strainer on a small bowrider? Because I'm mostly in Barnegat bay in NJ which is sandy and has alot of shallow area I seem to have problems with my thermostat getting stuck open. We frequently beach the boat in different areas and this sucks sand into the cooling system which then jams up the thermostat. I can tell pretty quickly because the engine will not get above 130 when 170 is where is runs when operating properly. Im wondering if a small sea strainer might be a good idea.
Its a 4.3 2007 185sport, raw water cooled
Thanks

 

[230weekenderUSC]

Just installed a perko raw water strainer on my 230. Super easy install off intake/seacock. I too was pulling up sand when beaching. I was also pulling up kelp and sea grass (west coast problems) and clogging cooling passages on my FWC i/o. Strainer catches an incredible amount of stuff. Overall easy install and no problems with debris since installed.... I say go for it.

 

[Bt Doctur]

A strainer will stop small stones, and seaweed and kelp but will not stop grains of sand. There is no need to run the motor in under 3 feet of water to the beach.
Drop an anchor off the stern, shut the engine down, raise the drive and pull the boat to shore.
When leaving pull yourself out with the anchor to deep water to run the engine.