Boat Bilge Blower?

Question

I understand that on an Inboard/Outboard Boat there is a blower that must be run at idle and before starting the boat to remove gasoline vapors.

Is it true that you have to run the blower at slow (no wake) speeds? For example: a slow cruise around the lake.

Answer 1

I have been boating for many years and I have never run my blower while under way. You have air vents that clear out fumes, it sounds like it might be a good idea, but I don't think you have to do that, I never have and I am a very safe boater.

Answer 2

it is a good idea to prevent fumes that may build up do to slow speeds. when first starting, lifting the hatch before starting is wise to check for fumes. never run the blower when fueling,only after. when going slow make sure there is ventilation thru the boat. exhaust fumes can circulate into the cabin area if the bow of the boat has windshield or curtains blocking air flow. have fun and be careful.

Answer 3

you have recieved a lot of good info so far. It is very imporrtant to remember that flammable liquid vapors are heavier than air and therefor they seek the lowest level. In a boat this means they are trapped in a bathtub like arangment. One spark and thats all they wrote.NEVER use a extension cord {drop light} when working on your engine. I was a big city firefighter and I have been to many, many fires for above reason. {dropped extension cords}

Answer 4

great question!

I'm fairly new to boat ownership, havent been using the blower at slow speeds...and havent had any problem either.

Sounds like good advice to run it, I wanna keep mine for a while and better to be safe than sorry

Answer 5

I deliver many new boats and most of them have a sign or a page in the manual that says at slow speeds to run the blower. Modern designs no longer have the forward and aft facing vents that force air thru and need that blower at slow speeds. Of course this is in addition to using the blower before starting and after fueling.

Answer 6

On a gasoline engine boat you absolutely need to run the exhaust fan prior to startup 3 minutes minimum! When the boat is underway, you should have two vents at the stern of the boat, one turned forward to catch air and one on the other side turned back to draw air out. So as long as you are moving enough to create a flow you should be ok not running the exhaust. I have friends that run it continuously since it runs off the battery and that is being charged as the engine runs. If you do this just don't forget to turn it off when you tie up at the dock for dinner and drinks! Cheers and happy boating

Answer 7

If you aren't getting any ventilation into the bilge area, you should go ahead and run that blower. But even at slow cruising speeds there should be some air circulating, and it may not be necessary.

Answer 8

you don't have to run the blower motor, It is STRONGLY recemended however so that the fumes do not ignite a fire onboard your boat. I alwies run mine when going at slow speeds below about 5mph.

Answer 9

You don't have to but it is a good idea.Air is drawn into the engine compartment by the vents on the side of your boat,at low speeds very little air is drawn in so you can get a build up of vapour in the engine compartment.

The blower will mechanically draw fresh air in and discharge any vapour,also this movement of air will help keep your engine compartment cooler which helps to prevent vapours from forming.