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Choosing a High-Speed Intake Strainer

There’s more than one way to scoop up water for your live-bait system.

Choosing a High-Speed Intake Strainer

Our March 2014 Weekend Workbook focused on live-bait intake systems for fast fishing boats, and we recommended a through-hull bronze high-speed intake strainer from brands such as Algonquin (buckalgonquin.com) or Groco (groco.com). However, there are other types high-speed intake strainers. Let’s look at what’s available.

Choosing a High-Speed Intake Strainer

Through-Hull Intake Strainer
This bronze high-speed intake – the one we suggested in Weekend Workbook – has a threaded through-hull stem and collar nut. The strainer is also bolted in place to keep the grates facing forward. $128.93, jamestowndistributors.com

Choosing a High-Speed Intake Strainer

Oval Scoop Strainer
This bronze fitting is similar to a though-hull intake strainer, but it lacks the through-hull portion. Instead, it has a backing-plate and is designed to bolt over a through-hull fitting on the bottom of the boat. The major advantage is that it can be more easily removed than a than an integral through-hull intake strainer should you need to clear debris from under the grates or around the through-hull fitting. $39.99, greatlakesskipper.com

Choosing a High-Speed Intake Strainer

Rectangular Scoop Strainer
This is similar to an oval scoop, but it can fit over a larger through-hull. It has a removable stainless steel screen to strain out debris. $88, go2marine.com

Choosing a High-Speed Intake Strainer

Slotted Strainer with Emergency Access
The Groco product bolts over a through-hull fitting and has patented access door (locked in place with a clevis pin) that allows you to clean away debris or marine growth without removing anything. It’s available in bronze or aluminum, with sizes that fit up 4-inch through-hull fittings. $84.25 to $744.86, go2marine.com

Choosing a High-Speed Intake Strainer

Gem Products High-Speed Water Intake
Originally made for Tracker Boats, these stainless-steel through-hull intakes lay virtually flush with the bottom of the boat to minimize drag and interference with trailer bunks. The cheese-grater-style intake holes are angled at 20 degrees forward to maximize intake. The large, oblong hole required to mount these on the bottom of the boat means that a DIY installation could be troublesome. Better let a professional rigger handle it. $60.76 to $175.60, gemlux.com
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