transom mounted water pickup?

[simplyorange]

what is the smallest sized braided line i can run for these, i have twin 200 mercurys and each has its own pickup, i want to keep thebulkyness down as much as possible.

also, for those of you who have them, how did you run the hose from the pickup upwards then back down towards the lower unit? how did you cleanly hook it to the motor?

mine are tapped into the water pickup side of the water pump so it has to go down the side of the midsection and i am a little picky about how clean i want it to look.

[Mr. Demeanor]

260464260465

10an minimum which is what I am running. I run mine inside the hull up to the engine well where I have a small strainer mounted. I ran 3/4" hose inside the boat where you cant see it. My thinking was that all the water in the 3/4" hose and strainer would act somewhat like surge tank to keep a constant supply of water to the motor.

[simplyorange]

thanks, where can i find he bulkhead fitting like you have the striner hooked to as well as the one that goes through the hull? and where can i find a small strainer like that? i have read alot of your posts and would like to set mine up like yours.

[Mr. Demeanor]

thanks, where can i find he bulkhead fitting like you have the striner hooked to as well as the one that goes through the hull? and where can i find a small strainer like that? i have read alot of your posts and would like to set mine up like yours.

The two polished stainless fittings are actually drain plug fittings. We welded the pickup tube in place over the threaded opening for the pickup. Because they are tapered pipe thread, you have to tap into them from the back side in order to be able to thread your hose connection in the back.
The strainer is a Sherwood with the large screen mesh and 1/2" fittings. I tried the fine mesh and it would clog if you ran through any algae. weeds, etc. The Sherwood strainers are rated at 180psi and I like that they reinforce the fittings with that stainless steel oring so it doesnt crack.

I played extensively with pickup tube shape and length. I can give you some details and draw up a diagram. My pickup only sticks down 1/16th inch and is not tapered like most you can buy. Its basically a box with a notch cut in the leading face side. This traps water and forces it up the tube.

[simplyorange]

threaded drain plug is a great idea, i never though of that but im glad i asked now,that sounds good, im in no rush just whenever you get time if you dont minf hooking me up with some setup info it would be great.