LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
small holes, because the holes tend to
clog very easily with antifouling paint.
Whichever type of strainer you
choose to use, be certain it is easily
serviceable, including times when the
vessel is afloat. Groco manufactures
just such a strainer (see groco.net/08-
CD-BURN/GROCO%20CAT/CAT-
BRWSR/ sec-5-view.htm). It can
be opened for cleaning or painting
without the use of any tools simply by
removing a clevis pin. How often it will
become clogged is a function of the
water in which you operate. If growth
is prevalent, then the strainer should
be opened, cleaned, and painted with
antifoulant seasonally.
Scoop strainers are ideal for
systems that require constant prime,
such as air conditioners, stabilizers,
watermakers, and refrigeration
systems. They provide pressure to the
pumps used on these devices, which is
ideal for maintaining prime. They may
be used on propulsion engines, but if a
twin-screw vessel is operated on only
one engine, the inoperative engine’s
seacock should be closed to prevent
water from being forced into the
engine via the exhaust system. For the
same reason, scoop strainers should
never be used on generators; water
may be forced into the generator’s
exhaust system when it’s not running.
Scoops should not be installed facing
aft, as this creates more work for the
device pulling water through the
strainer.—Steve D’Antonio
TEDDI BEAR
Bob Lane’s article featuring Teddi
Bear (PMM Sept. ’08) was as good
as it gets, without overuse of
superlatives to describe a vessel that
cries for them. My wife, Charmaine,
and I met John and Teddi and their
New Zealand friends, Leon and
Lona, in Meyers Chuck, Alaska, last
year while aboard our Nordic Tug,
Riley, and were recipients of their
gracious hospitality.
Everything about Teddi Bear tickles
the eye, but there are two features
that cannot be overstated. One is the
walnut interior—a little lighter than
teak and perfect in every respect. I
believe the credit for this goes to
Teddi. The second is the guest
stateroom. If ever invited to spend
the night aboard Teddi Bear, I could
not be pried from that delightful
perch. Teddi Bear is unforgettable.
James Moore
M/V Riley
