Fish in raw water intake

[lonesoldier0408]

A plastic bag, with air trapped in it, will hang vertical. Blow bubbles out screen, suction blocks screen.

[Dr. D]

Originally Posted by SVHarmonie

Dr D:

I don’t know enough about the internal plumbing of the saildrive to help with specific suggestions, but I have a bit of information that MIGHT help diagnose: The fish was in there from the time you left the dock.

I know because I was on the next dock over working on another boat, and heard the sound of a dry exhaust pulling away. By the time I got on deck, and figured out which boat it was, you were too far away to hail. From there on it was like sitting on a hill watching a train wreck!

I think you just added another item to my “Why I don’t like saildrives” list.

Bill

Bill: Oh, it was that noticeable? I thought I heard water coming out at first, but as I turned past the end of E dock I thought the sound changed. It wasn't many minutes later before the overheat alarm sounded.


Using the fresh water hose from the dock I was able to get all the stuff out. I did have a hose adapter that fit over the seacock pipe. After a few sessions of blasting the water in the intake worked properly. However, I didn't shut the motor down fast enough (see below). And a picture of the engine and saildrive.


OK, who else has had fish in the raw water intake?

[Brewgyver]

Is that your waterlift muffler?

[Brewgyver]

You can add a flow switch in to your temperature alarm circuit. That way when you lose water flow you get an instant alarm, no waiting for the engine to actually overheat.

[Dr. D]

Originally Posted by Brewgyver

Is that your waterlift muffler?

I believe it is.

[a64pilot]

These are my external strainers, sailboats shouldn’t have a scoop or don’t need one anyway.
People should understand that strainers are installed externally and are not part of the thru hull, you don’t need to cut the slots out if you don’t want one, simply remove the screws and take it off.
Maine Sail I believe has brought up the idea that if you feel you need one, to simply glue it on with 5200, Then if you need to remove it because it’s got barnacles growing under it or whatever, simply remove the hose from inside of the boat and use a broom stick to knock it off.
Personally I only sail in benign warm water, but some sail in cold water and can’t dive the boat and it’s my understanding that there are places in Australia that even if the water is warm, you don’t get in for fear of being eaten.
Those that feel they need a strainer might ought to just glue one on with 5200

[gonesail]

i have a outside raw water strainer on the hull but am more and more wanting to install an inline bronze strainer as well. so easy to do.

[wingless]

Originally Posted by Dr. D

Bill: Oh, it was that noticeable? I thought I heard water coming out at first, but as I turned past the end of E dock I thought the sound changed. It wasn't many minutes later before the overheat alarm sounded.

My boat has both an above water side exhaust and below water venturi exhaust.

At each engine start I visually verify water flow out the side.

That visual inspection has permitted detection of decreased flow, from a broken impeller vane.

It should be possible to repair that exhaust damage using normal fiberglass techniques.

[SVHarmonie]

Originally Posted by Dr. D

OK, who else has had fish in the raw water intake?

I have flushed fish through my toilet water intake. Does that count?


Think about that poor critter next time you think YOU are having a bad day!

[Dr. D]

Originally Posted by Brewgyver

You can add a flow switch in to your temperature alarm circuit. That way when you lose water flow you get an instant alarm, no waiting for the engine to actually overheat.

I like this idea. Thanks.

[Dr. D]

Most of you already know this, but thinking about what I saw I realized a quick method to check for a raw water inlet block. The raw water strainer is above the water line, so pour water into it. If the water level drops quickly, all is good. If the water level drops slowly, a developing problem. If the water level stays steady, then there is a blockage.


I wish there were easier ways to learn new things....