Point of blower on an outboard?

[FuddleyPJones]

What is the point of having a blower on a boat with an outboard motor? The only thing in there is a battery and a sealed gas tank. Furthermore, it is not a tight seal anyway. The back bench seat just folds up but it does not form a tight seal.

 

[bill lewinski]

Re: Point of blower on an outboard?

Could you be more specific please? Got a picture of the boat and motor? Or is this just a general question?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Point of blower on an outboard?

There are still fumes around a gas tank in a closed compartment. even a loosely closed one.

 

[surrender]

Re: Point of blower on an outboard?

Was just think of this today. my 17 Mckee Craft has the gas tank in/under the console. On occassion I smell a little gas under there when Iam working on things. Ive put a new seal on the fuel gauge and it seems better but I'am sure its not perfect. All the boats wiring is up under there and one loose screw on a panel or switch could easily cause a spark. I've rewired just about the whole thing with new terminal blocks and wire and connectors but there is no way to insure a spark never happens. I'am thinking of adding some vents to the console to try and vent any fumes which may accumulate. Any thoughts?

 

[F_R]

Re: Point of blower on an outboard?

I believe you will find that all gas tank and battery compartments must be vented. Check out the law on the subject.

 

[oldboatsrule]

Re: Point of blower on an outboard?

Mount the vents low...or use a hose to lead air in and out of the lowest point.. gasoline fumes lie low as fuel vapor is heavier than air

 

[FuddleyPJones]

Re: Point of blower on an outboard?

OK, so the gist of the matter is that fumes can accumulate - even in a not-so-tight compartment - where both the battery and fuel tank reside. I know that both of these items (battery and fuel tank) can generate both explosive and toxic fumes so I can see the wisdom in it. I suppose if it did get a spark and it did blow it could ruin your whole day. Better safe then dead.

What I don't like is that the blower is so noisy. I guess with the motor running I will not hear the blower.

I find it interesting, however, that the blower is on a separate switch at the console and not an automatically powered device anytime the key is turned.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Point of blower on an outboard?

you use the blower before starting, to clear the fumes, then turn it off.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Point of blower on an outboard?

The blower does not need to operate all the time IF the compartment has one forward facing vent to take air in when underway, and another vent facing aft to extract air when under way. Unless that compartment has plenty of fresh air entrance area and an even larger exhaust area, collection of fumes can be very explosive. The only real difference between the outboard and I/O installation is that with the outboard the "major" source of a spark is the enclosed engine. The outboard eliminates that issue but all the others remain the same.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Point of blower on an outboard?

OK, so the gist of the matter is that fumes can accumulate - even in a not-so-tight compartment -

Fumes can accumulate in the wide-open. If you don't believe, pour some gas on a brush pile, as I know someone who did. Before you light it, go inside and answer the phone. After the phone call, go back outside and attempt to light the gas. Best call 911 first though.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Point of blower on an outboard?

The citation is 30 CFR 183, section 183.610. It's a good idea to read the regulations so you understand what the law says as well as the common sense reasons for the blower.

Just because something isn't required by law doesn't mean it isn't a good idea. I suspect that the PO was worried about the fumes or had a bad experience that caused him to be extra cautious around gas fumes.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Point of blower on an outboard?

Fumes can accumulate in the wide-open. If you don't believe, pour some gas on a brush pile, as I know someone who did. Before you light it, go inside and answer the phone. After the phone call, go back outside and attempt to light the gas. Best call 911 first though.

It is so ironic you posted this at nearly the same time my neighbor just did what you said^^^^^ Boom! Scared all the birds and squirrels off the feeders and shook my house. Police/Fire dept. just left after tearing him a new one. Got away with an eyebrow trim and no more arm hair

Pirate- Great link I think it sums it up for Fuddley.