The Guidi kit is ideal for ensuring the safety of a boat’s hydraulic circuits and preventing issues during the summer season
As the time approaches for preparing boats for the summer season or relaunching them in the water.
It’s important to remember to carry out certain maintenance tasks that are often overlooked, but essential if you want to avoid problems, sometimes serious ones, precisely when the boat should only be enjoyed.
One key area is the onboard hydraulic systems: engine cooling, toilets, air conditioning, and desalination. If neglected, these circuits can cause problems ranging from minor annoyances to major failures: valves that won’t operate, clogged water strainers, scale buildup, or corrosion.
Seawater flow must never be obstructed. If water does not circulate properly, the entire system suffers. It’s therefore best to act in advance, especially at this time of year.
All hydraulic systems rely on three fundamental components:
- a water intake (the point where seawater enters the system)
- a non-stick valve
- a water strainer
- An effective solution to ensure both safety and efficiency of hydraulic systems is the Guidi System C-PIN, a product kit designed to improve water flow performance.The system consists of several components, all designed, developed, and manufactured in-house by Guidi:
- water intake
- non-stick valve
- water strainer
- diagnostic sensors
- fittings
What the Guidi System C-PIN does
The system offers multiple operational benefits:
- reduces pressure loss
- prevents air bubbles and cavitation
- ensures long-term proper and efficient system operation
Let’s take a closer look at its components.
The water intake and thru-hull
The water intake is the entry point for seawater into the hull. Through the thru-hull, water is directed into the various hydraulic circuits of the boat.
It is essential that this component consistently ensures proper water flow, without reductions in volume or turbulence within the system.
The thru-hull fitting itself is also crucial, as it connects the exterior and interior of the boat.
The non-Stick valve
The non-stick valve is connected to the water intake or thru-hull and allows opening and closing of water flow in the hydraulic circuit, controlling system flow.
Guidi valves are designed to maintain operability even after long periods of inactivity.
The 2260 “Alex” valve features a straight-through design rather than an angled path, allowing full fluid flow without pressure loss. This configuration reduces the risk of blockages or scale buildup. Its compact size allows installation even in tight spaces and makes it especially easy to handle.
The non-stick valve in the Guidi System C-PIN is operated by a 24V (or 12V) stepper motor, enabling remote operation among other functionalities.
Valves 2240 and 2250 also feature an emergency position: in case of flooding, they can draw water directly from the boat’s bilge.
The water strainer
The water strainer plays a key role in trapping impurities present in seawater, such as vegetation, microorganisms, and other debris.
Guidi water strainers feature a hermetic seal, and some models include a transparent polycarbonate cover for easy visual inspection of internal conditions.
The two main issues related to water strainers are:
- Knowing when maintenance is needed
- Detecting efficiency losses caused by air in the system
In the C-PIN version, the Guidi water strainer is equipped with upstream and downstream pressure and temperature sensors to monitor performance, addressing the first issue.
For the second, the system integrates a level sensor to track water volume in the strainer. A vent valve allows trapped air to be released, restoring maximum system efficiency.
Materials and common features of the three main components
The three primary components share key features:
- all are patented at different times, reflecting ongoing innovation
- made of bronze, a material highly resistant to corrosion in marine environments
System benefits
The Guidi System C-PIN provides numerous advantages:
Functionality, ease of operation, durability, refined design, reliability, connectivity, and integration with onboard digital systems.
Additionally, the components are nearly 100% recyclable.
A short video (LINK) details the operation of the Guidi System C-PIN, showing how it reacts in different operational scenarios, such as a clogged strainer, blocked water intake, or obstructed safety valve.
