Ok, so I keep going back and forth between using a thermostat w/ relief valve or just using my gate valve to control my engine temp.  At first I figured I'll just leave as is (no thermostat or relief valve), but the more I think about it, I think I would rather have the engine running at a constant 160 vs a fluctuating 135-180..   My biggest fear is something like a twig or small rock getting caught in the thermostat and blocking flow and burning up my motor.   So, I figure as long as I can run a strainer I should be fine.. 

Which leads me to, what do I use & what do you guys use or do you use one at all?

I think I want to run something bronze (or something stronger than plastic) because it will be in-line off the jet, but I don't see many good options.  What do you think about running a Y-strainer, the thing w/ this is I can't easily see if anything is caught and the element might be kind of small.. I would prefer to run a sea strainer, but they all seem to be made of plastic? 

I'm thinking I should run the water line like the sequence below..

Jet -> Tee w/ Hose Fitting -> Strainer -> Pressure Relief -> Motor


Y-Strainer
http://www.mcmaster.com/#y-style-strainers/=18byi5

T-Strainer w/ clear bowl, but it's Polypropylene.. Not sure how strong that is??
http://www.mcmaster.com/#t-style-strainers/=18byay

here's what i'll be using...
Raw water strainer

along with this...
http://www.cashacme.com/prod_prv_eb25.php

I like the idea of the pressure regulator because I wouldn't have to run another dump line like using a relief valve, but will it cause any issues if it is blocking flow from the jet when is closes off to relieve pressure??

Here is another thread on the Mcmaster Strainers. They are rated at 150psi.

http://www.socaljetboats.com/index.php?topic=3892.0

T.j.

If you're trying to keep your pressure down, DO NOT use a relief valve unless you ALSO use a regulator, the relief valves are just that, they relieve excess pressure, they are NOT meant to regulate pressure, if they're open all the time from excess pressure, they WILL fail, even Watts will tell you that.  The bronze Y strainer is a decent choice but you'd be better served with the T style, they're good to about 125 PSI normally. Good luck.

X2