AC pump loses prime

2023 Ranger Tug R27 outboard with Webasto air conditioner. We have a problem with the AC pump losing its prime after running hard up on plane. If we’re slow boating or at the dock there is no problem. The first sign that this has happened is when the high head pressure (check water flow) error code is displayed along with warning beeps. Instead of a steady stream from the AC outflow there is nothing. Re-establishing the prime by removing the outflow hose from the pump and priming the pump by re-opening the seacock makes everything work again. I do remember to shut off the thru hull for both the head and the AC before trailering or putting the boat on a lift but it seems that shouldn’t be necessary on a boat that stays in the water and is designed to run on plane. Has anyone had a similar situation? Could a scoop type water pickup installed for the AC water be used? Any suggestions? TIA.

My 2018 C242 has the same issue. Mine has a stepped hull and anything over 15 mph in slightly choppy water and mine loses prime and AC shuts down. It’s just air getting under the hull as it was designed to do. We rarely need the AC when up on plane in Md. and Fl. We have plenty of air flow with windows open and a vent cracked. The AC works fine when slow cruising. A scoop inlet would probably help as long as it doesn’t pressurize the system to much but that’s probably not an issue.
Ken
Sunny Daze
2018 C242

I am thinking about putting in a tee fitting in the outflow hose for the AC pump and adding a valve (for releasing air) attached to a short length of hose that can be placed into a bucket. If priming was needed I should be able to open the valve until seawater came out the hose into the bucket (or bilge) and then close the valve with the pump primed. While it would add a little restriction in flow and a potential leakage point the ease of repriming the pump would be nice. Thoughts?

Mine came with a tee for priming but it’s quicker to loosen the lid on the strainer. The only time I ever need to prime is if I forget to close the thru hull valve when going fast, trailering or up on the lift in Florida. It can sit on my lift in Florida for two months and not need to prime if I close the valve before lifting.

I believe these units from reading past posts are marginal on water flow so I would not restrict the flow very much.