[Whefour]

I am considering the purchase of a '96 31 open with Crusaders but have concerns with being able to access to the engines but particularly the sea strainers. Both are located aft of the engines and somewhat below the exhaust hoses. This does not look like an ideal place for these considering that they should be frequently inspected and cleaned. Any insight on this would be appreciated.

[ReelMagic]

I owned a 1997 31open/crusaders and the sea strainers were in the same spot. Never had an issue servicing them.... Needed to lift the main hatch not just the day hatch..... Looked at them 1/month and then when winterizing.   M2C

[Whefour]

Thanks ReelMagic. When you serviced them did you need to crawl into the engine compartment or were you able to get to them laying on the deck?

[ReelMagic]

Thanks ReelMagic. When you serviced them did you need to crawl into the engine compartment or were you able to get to them laying on the deck?

Not sure if your 31 has a gen set or not. Mine did not. Based on where the gen set is on the 31 it would be harder to reach if installed.... I lifted the main engine hatch and stood between the engine when I wanted to service the strainers

[slipfit]

I have a 95 and can easily get to them by opening the main engine hatch and laying on the aft deck and reaching over to the strainers.

[Tgilbert]

Do you need to close seacock valves to check these strainers?

[Misdirection]

Do you need to close seacock valves to check these strainers?

Yes. Unless your on a lift and out of the water that is!

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[Baybreeze32NY]

I have 32 open and port engine is a bitch need crow bar, 4ft, 2x3 and line to open and close. make matters worse the handle fell off now have to remove exhaust hose and turbo elbow to get access and reattach.

[slipfit]

I have 32 open and port engine is a bitch need crow bar, 4ft,  2x3 and line to open and close. make matters worse the handle fell off now have to remove exhaust hose and turbo elbow to get access and reattach.

Ok, I'm picking up that there is definitely a difference from the Gas 545's to the diesel you are describing.  Sounds like the turbo exhaust makes it much more of a challenge.

[johnhesch]

I have 32 open and port engine is a bitch need crow bar, 4ft, 2x3 and line to open and close. make matters worse the handle fell off now have to remove exhaust hose and turbo elbow to get access and reattach.

Yep my 32 Open/volvo diesel is the same...starboard side is ok, but port side is blocked because exhaust has to crossover. Wish they would have done something a bit different to access.