screen inlet - how critical?

[93baylinerjazz]

how critical is this? can i run without it and just watch for crap in the water?
Mine is broken in 3 pieces, but it was really only one bar that runs down the middle of the intake area... not much of a "screen".
Can i fabricate my own out of aluminum?

I'm sure I will ultimately order another one, but wanted to see if anyone had any recommendations first.

 

[kend301]

Re: screen inlet - how critical?

You need one , the cavitation from water flow without one will hurt alot of things and one big branch will kill the impeller /wear ring and perhaps the jet drive casing .