Water intake question

[Fishin' Fever]

Hi folks.

I'm using 2 rule general purpose pumps, one for wash down and one for my live well. My thru hulls are close together so I used one large eel grass strainer to cover both thru hulls. I was having a problem when I was under, even at 7 knots, the pumps would stop flowing water. I took the screen out for a temporary fix until I hauled the boat out but I'm still having the same problem. Even one pump alone will not work underway. Can I put 2 slotted strainers on and fix the problem? Or should I just eliminate the strainers all together?

 

[jerseysportfisher]

are the southbays pointing in the right direction ?

 

[Fishin' Fever]

Yes they are.

 

[MDI45]

Fishing Fever,i had the same problem with the 17A Rule....its a very sensitive pump.....i took the eel grass strainer (south bay) off and put a regular scoop strainer and its a little better....that pump draws alot of power (19 amps) make sure your batterys are in good shape and the height of your deck also affects that pump (5 foot head) she doesnt like to pump water up

 

[Fishin' Fever]

Fishing Fever,i had the same problem with the 17A Rule....its a very sensitive pump.....i took the eel grass strainer (south bay) off and put a regular scoop strainer and its a little better....that pump draws alot of power (19 amps) make sure your batterys are in good shape and the height of your deck also affects that pump (5 foot head) she doesnt like to pump water up

Definitely not the batteries. I have about 3' of head pressure so I should be fine. Do you think 2 slotted scoops are the way to go? Remember, one will be directly aft of the other.

 

[MDI45]

Definitely not the batteries. I have about 3' of head pressure so I should be fine. Do you think 2 slotted scoops are the way to go? Remember, one will be directly aft of the other.

I would go to scoop type........but i dont like the in line configuration of the thru hulls i would have gone side by side.....i also find if you start the pump before getting under way she works better....

 

[Fishin' Fever]

I'll try the slotted scoops. Thx!

 

[MDI45]

I also get the trouble mid summer with mussel and barnacle growth...good luck

 

[hntrss]

If they are not totally mounted under the water line they are going to be a problem. Try a Haywood pool filter ball check valve. They are all plastic and last a lifetime. This will help a lot. Great pumps, but a pita

 

[capemariner]

Those pumps loose there prime very easily add a check valve and you should be ok

 

[Fishin' Fever]

I'm thinking its not a check valve problem. What makes me think that is it will pump fine if I'm stopped and I'll loose flow if I start moving. Now I may be missing something, would a check valve help that ?

 

[traditions]

How is it mounted?The outlet must come out the top so the air will pass.

 

[Tuna Pursuit]

I would use a check valve and on the scoops drill a couple of 1/4" holes on the stern side of the scoops. This will help not to suck the water out when backing down and in your case may help feed that aft inlet a little better.

 

[Fishin' Fever]

How is it mounted?The outlet must come out the top so the air will pass.

Outlets are facing up