Last Updated on September 23, 2023.

If your boat is in salt water, we recommend as a rule of thumb the strainer should be checked every 14 days subject to the environment it’s operating in. For boats in warmer salt water environments we recommend once every 7 to 10 days.

Basic maintenance procedure of a raw water sea strainer

1. Opening and cleaning the seawater strainer begins with turning off the AC raw water pump at the breaker then closing the associated raw water seacock. Closing and opening the seacock also performs the important task of exercising the valve to assure it can always be closed when needed. Inspection for leaks around the through-hull installation can also be made at the same time.
2. With the seacock valve closed, open the seawater strainer housing to access the strainer basket. Some strainers require a wrench to open, be sure to keep these easily accessible.
3. The strainer basket should lift straight out and allow for cleaning. We recommend cleaning with a high pressure hose on the dock as the strainer basket catches debris and sediment will collect in the bottom of the basket and housing, make sure all are thoroughly cleaned including the inspection glass at the top if you have one.
4. Ensure you dry and clean the sea strainer housing so it can be thoroughly inspected inside and out for damage or deterioration. We recommend replacing with plastic baskets when replacement is required to avoid corrosion.
5. The strainer housings should have a STRAINER GASKET such as an O ring which creates a watertight seal at the lid. Inspect and replace STRAINER PARTS as needed in order to prevent leaks from the lid.
6. Depending on the system you have, the strainer may have a hinged lid. This being the case and whilst the strainer is opened, inspect the hinges, studs, and locking nuts for corrosion or weakness.
7. We also recommend dropping one to two Bromine tablets inside of your basket before you re assemble as this will help prevent build up thought the raw water lines accessing your chillers or individual AC units.
8. Once you are done, assemble in reverse and check for leaks, don’t forget to re-open the raw water seacock before turning back on the raw water pump and ensure you have water flow through the strainer.

Download the Wave Marine App to have your AC strainer and systems check （click here for an example).

Register today and receive a Wave Marine AC strainer and systems check which includes a complimentary check of the following:

• Connection to shore power
• Verification of no alarms including bilge alarms or running bilge pumps
• Inspection of bilge areas to ensure no excessive amount of water oil or fuel are present.
• Verification of boat being appropriately fastened to the dock.

Lock up if needed with a photograph of cleaned AC sea trainer and fastened boat.

With the Wave App, you can get the best AC sea strainer cleaning service for your boat. Visit https://wavemarinegroup.com/wave-app/ to download the app.