Whale Water Systems Pump Strainers
Whale Water Systems Pump Strainers: Protecting Your Bilge System from Debris
When it comes to keeping a bilge pump running efficiently and reliably, the strainer at the end of the suction hose is one of the most critical — and often overlooked — components aboard any vessel. Whale Water Systems brings its long legacy of marine engineering expertise directly to its line of pump strainers, offering purpose-built solutions that guard your pump against debris intake while maximizing the volume of water evacuated from the bilge.
Founded originally in 1810 and later moving into manufacturing bilge pumps for the Royal Navy during World War II, Whale has been supplying the marine sector with pumps and water systems since the 1940s. Now a proud part of Navico Group, a division of Brunswick Corporation, Whale remains a committed leader in connected water systems for marine applications. That depth of experience shows in the thoughtful engineering of every strainer they produce.
Side Entry and Top Entry Designs for Every Bilge Configuration
Whale offers bilge pump strainers in two distinct entry configurations, each suited to a different bilge geometry. The top entry design is intended for deeper bilges, while the side entry model is the right choice for more shallow bilge applications. This means boaters can select the exact strainer that allows for the greatest degree of water evacuation, no matter the shape of their hull.
The SB5865 Top Entry Strainer is a prime example of Whale's bilge-first engineering philosophy. Designed for deep bilge applications where maximum water removal is critical, it fits at the end of the suction hose and prevents debris entry while allowing high flow, thanks to its top-entry design. Meanwhile, the SB4222 Side Entry Strainer delivers the same level of protection in a low-profile form factor. Both are intended for placement in the lowest part of the bilge to secure the intake line and permit suction while optimizing the degree of evacuation.
Built-In Non-Return Valves: A Key Feature
One feature that sets Whale bilge pump strainers apart is the inclusion of integrated non-return valves. Whale bilge pump strainers are supplied with non-return valves to prevent runback in intake lines — a detail that prevents pumped water from draining back into the bilge between pump cycles, improving overall system efficiency and reducing unnecessary pump wear.
Built with molded plastic, a synthetic rubber valve, and a removable screen, these bilge strainers are also easy to clean — an important practical consideration for any boater who wants to spend more time on the water and less time on maintenance.
Freshwater System Protection Too
Beyond bilge applications, Whale also produces inline strainers for pressurized freshwater systems. Whale water pump inline strainers feature a clear inspection top to help protect Whale pressurized water pumps from foreign matter in the system. The Whale Replacement Strainer Assembly (AK1319) is designed to keep freshwater pressure pumps running smoothly by preventing debris from entering the system, and is compatible with Whale Universal and Automatic pumps.
Whether you're protecting a bilge pump in a deep-keeled sailboat or keeping a freshwater pressure system clean on a powerboat, Whale Water Systems pump strainers are engineered with the reliability and simplicity that marine environments demand. Explore the full selection of pump strainers or browse the complete Whale Water Systems catalog to find the right fit for your vessel.