Effects of alge on cooling

[cosmo497]

We keep the boat at the marina. Alot of alge buildup on motor casing and bottom of boat. Try to keep it brushed off, but could alge build up inside the intakes for water to cool the engine preventing efficient cooling? If so, is there a way to prevent it if the boat sits inthe water all the time?

 

[12Footer]

Re: Effects of alge on cooling

could alge build up inside the intakes for water to cool the engine preventing efficient cooling?

Absolutely. It can plug it completely, as can barnacles or snails in other bodies of water. Is there any way to tilt this motor up out of the water? Because that (i would think) is the only way to prevent that problem.

 

[Matthew A.]

Re: Effects of alge on cooling

If you can't tilt the motor up far enough out of the water, you can attach a plastic sock to cover the motor leg and lower unit to keep the critters from causing a problem.
Use something like a trash bag only thicker. Fill the sock with tap water to equal the water pressure and keep it's open end above the water you don't want in.
Once you find the right material for the sock...it can work quite well.