I am installing a Beta 20 in a Vancouver 32 sailboat. Beta Marine indicates that the water strainer for the seawater inlet should be mounted above the waterline. My previous engines have all had the strainer mounted below the waterline, near the sea****. Is this a problem? Can someone explain the problems with a below waterline installation?
This is really very simple. If the strainer is mounted a bit above the waterline, it can be serviced without closing the thru hull and especially if there is a blockage at the valve, this can be cleared from inside the boat without worrying that the inflow of water is going to help sink the boat.