Installation Considerations

  1. The installer is responsible for supplying a dedicated seawater pump and associated plumbing. An optional seawater pump can be purchased through Seakeeper, P/N 30331.
  2. Seawater connections on the Seakeeper heat exchanger mate with ½ in. (13 mm) hose.
  3. The seawater pump is powered by Cable 5, via “SW Pump 12 VDC Out” on the Seakeeper 1, as outlined in the Electrical Installation section.
    1. The seawater pump operates on 12 VDC with a max overcurrent protection rating of 15 A.
  4. A dedicated through-hull fitting should be installed for each Seakeeper unit onboard the vessel to ensure sufficient seawater flow to each unit.
  5. It is recommended that the seawater pump is located below the waterline, as close to the baseline of the vessel as practically possible, to maintain positive inlet pressure on the pump in all operating conditions.
    1. A self-priming seawater pump may be required to maintain water flow in all underway conditions. Cavitation can occur at the seawater inlet and potentially cause an air-lock condition restricting seawater flow to the heat exchanger.
  6. Maximum allowable seawater pressure in heat exchanger is 20 psi (1.4 bar).
  7. The seawater flow requirement through the Seakeeper heat exchanger is 2 GPM (7.6 LPM) minimum and 4 GPM (15.2 LPM) maximum under all operating conditions.
    1. When sizing the seawater pump, installers should consider losses for raw water plumbing.
    2. A forward-facing scoop / highspeed seawater inlet should be installed to ensure sufficient seawater flow during underway operation.