Perko 0443 Lightweight Intake Water Strainer, Cast Bronze, Clear Polymer Body, SS316 Basket

Overview

The Perko Figure 0443 is a lightweight intake water strainer for raw-water cooling systems, made with cast bronze fittings, a clear polymer body, and a 316 stainless steel basket. It is built for installation on the intake side of the cooling system, where the clear body makes routine checks easier before debris reaches the engine, generator, or other raw-water equipment.

The basket uses 0.079 inch screen holes with 47 percent open area, helping maintain flow while catching weeds, shells, and other intake debris. The range covers 1/2 inch through 1-1/2 inch pipe sizes, with each size matched to a specific strainer body and basket area.

Mounting lugs are cast into both sides of the strainer for flexible bulkhead placement, and the hinged cover lugs allow basket access from the top. A drain plug in the lower casting helps with sediment removal and winterizing before storage in freezing conditions.

Key features

• Clear polymer body lets the basket condition and debris level be checked without opening the strainer.
• Cast bronze construction is used for the main strainer castings in a wet marine intake environment.
• 316 stainless steel basket helps reduce electrolysis concerns inside the strainer assembly.
• 0.079 inch basket screen holes provide 47 percent open area for raw-water flow through the cylindrical basket.
• Mounting lugs on both sides give more flexibility when securing the strainer to a bulkhead or flat support surface.
• Hinged cover lugs allow the cover to be removed for basket cleaning without disassembling the plumbing.
• Bottom drain plug supports sediment draining and winterizing service.
• Shared replacement parts with other Perko strainers can simplify future service planning.

Variants

This strainer is offered in multiple pipe-size configurations within the Figure 0443 range. The key selection point is the pipe size required by the engine or equipment intake system, along with the available space for the matching strainer height, width, depth, and cylinder length.

Across the variants, the clear body, cast bronze construction, 316 stainless steel basket, hinged cover access, side mounting lugs, and bottom drain plug remain consistent. The pipe size, overall dimensions, basket open area, and open-area ratio change by configuration.

• 0443004PLB: Pipe size 1/2 inch. This is the smallest pipe-size option in the range, with a 6-1/4 inch overall height and a 30:1 open-area ratio.
• 0443005PLB: Pipe size 3/4 inch. This size uses an 8-5/8 inch overall height and a 25:1 open-area ratio for systems specified around 3/4 inch intake plumbing.
• 0443006PLB: Pipe size 1 inch. This option increases the overall width to 5-1/2 inches and carries a 20:1 open-area ratio.
• 0443007PLB: Pipe size 1-1/4 inch. This configuration has a 9-5/16 inch overall height and a 13:1 open-area ratio for larger raw-water intake layouts.
• 0443008PLB: Pipe size 1-1/2 inch. This is the largest pipe-size option listed for the range, with an 11-3/4 inch overall height, a 7-1/4 inch overall width, and a 17:1 open-area ratio.

Installation and fit

The strainer should be mounted vertically on a flat surface, with enough clearance above the cover to lift out the basket for cleaning. The inlet and outlet are marked on the top casting, so orientation should be checked before final pipe routing.

Pipe size should follow the engine or equipment manual, and reducers should not be used as a shortcut for mismatched plumbing. After installation, the system should be run and checked carefully for leaks around the fittings, cover, gasket, drain plug, and pipe connections.

Use on board

This strainer is a practical match for boats that need visible raw-water intake protection in a compact engine-room or machinery-space layout. It is especially useful where regular inspection matters, such as cooling-water supply for engines or generators that operate in weedy, sandy, or shell-prone water.

Maintenance and care

Regular inspection is part of safe operation. The basket should be removed and cleaned when debris is visible or when local water conditions call for more frequent service, and the castings, fasteners, cover gasket, plug, and tie rods should be checked for wear or damage.

For freezing climates, the cylinder should be drained before storage. When antifreeze remains in contact with the clear cylinder, propylene glycol based antifreeze should be used, since ethylene glycol based solutions can cloud the cylinder surface.

Shipping
We ship worldwide from the United States. Rates are calculated at checkout based on destination and package weight. Some items include free shipping, which will show automatically. Not every product is eligible for international shipping; checkout will confirm eligibility. We do not ship to PO Boxes except through USPS, and not all packages qualify.

Processing and dispatch
Most orders are verified, packed, and handed to the carrier within 1 to 2 business days. Some products may need extra handling time or ship directly from the manufacturer. For certain international orders, inventory transfers between warehouses may add time. If any delay is expected, we will let you know the dispatch date.

Delivery and tracking
Deliveries are handled by trusted carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. Estimated arrival times appear at checkout and depend on your location and the service you choose. These are estimates and can be affected by customs or carrier disruptions. A shipping confirmation with a tracking link is emailed when your order ships, and tracking may take up to 24 hours to update. You can also view tracking in your account.

Duties, taxes, and support
International customers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, and fees charged by the destination country. If these charges are refused and a shipment returns to us, the carrier’s return cost and any re-entry customs fees will be deducted from the refund. If your order is late or you need help, contact cs@qualityboatparts.com and we will assist you.

Quality Boat Parts is a reseller. Many items include a manufacturer’s warranty, and all warranty service is handled directly by the manufacturer. We do not manage or administer warranty claims on behalf of customers.

Warranty terms, coverage, and duration are set by each manufacturer. Issues involving defects, repairs, or replacements must be addressed with the manufacturer’s support team. When available, the warranty period is listed on the product page. If it is not shown, contact us or the manufacturer for details before purchasing.

To start a claim, the customer must contact the manufacturer and follow their process. Keep your proof of purchase and original packaging, and register the product if the manufacturer requires it, as these are often needed for warranty service.

We are happy to help you find the right contact or documentation, but we cannot decide outcomes or intervene in claim resolutions. For guidance, email cs@qualityboatparts.com.