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My inlet to the sea water strainer through the hull is about a one half inch diameter hole flush with the outer hull surface. It is aft of the keel and about 18 inches from the center-line of the boat. I have never had a problem with this arrangement but some kelp does get stuck in it and eventually is works its way up and is trapped in the six inch basket of the pump inlet strainer. My 1986 Catalina 36 had a bronze external cover over the inlet opening with about 0.125 slots to act as a pre-screen to the inlet connection. Although in one direction the openings are smaller I never had a problem with this arrangement over 12 years of sailing in SouthernCalifornia. I am interested in determining what other Catalina 42's have installed as external pre-screen and experience in Southern California. Catalina 42, #825, 3 cab. CL