What is the purpose of sea strainers in boats?

The purpose of sea strainers in boats is to filter debris from water systems. Sea strainers are installed in the intake lines of a boat's cooling system to prevent marine growth, sand, and other types of debris from entering the engine or other critical systems that depend on seawater for cooling. By filtering out these particles, the strainer helps maintain the efficiency and cooling capacity of the engine, ensuring that it operates smoothly and preventing potential damage caused by obstructions or blockages. This is essential for the safe and effective operation of the vessel, particularly in environments where water quality may be variable.

While filtering fuel, improving engine performance, and cooling the engine are important aspects of boat operation, these functions are not the primary role of sea strainers. Fuel systems typically have their own filtration systems, engine performance is influenced by multiple factors including fuel type and tuning, and cooling is a broader function that the strainer supports indirectly by ensuring clean water flow to the cooling system components.