New to Boating

[bhaven]

Hi I'm new to boating and I have just purchased a 2007 Q6 FS. How often should I run the blower:

 

[Todd157k]

Re: New to Boating

Turn it on several minutes before starting. Leave it on. Shut it off several minutes after you stop the motor.

Now, lets see some pics of the new addition.

edit: you should also get/READ the owner's manual.

 

[yourboatmyboat]

Re: New to Boating

There should be a boaters check list posted at the shifter along with other warning decals

 

[Ronder]

Re: New to Boating

Our Attwood 4000 blower was making more noise than I liked, so when I got the new series II 4000, I was HAPPY with the 30 dollar price and now I can not even hear it when it is on!

 

[Hashi]

Re: New to Boating

I can not even hear it when it is on!

If you can't hear it, I just hope you remember to shut if off. Otherwise, it'll drain your battery.

 

[jmac77]

Re: New to Boating

I just purchased a 2006 Q4 SS and was told to only turn the blower on prior to starting the engine. I do not have the manual and was hoping that someone could clarify the proper use of the blower.

Do I leave it "On" while running or just with certain types of use, i.e. tubing, running at high speed, etc.?

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: New to Boating

The purpose of the blower is to remove any explosive fumes from the engine compartment [gasoline] BEFORE you start the engine. Tho marine starters and alternators have spark arresting qualities, there are still dangers of arc and sparks and backfires that can ignite vapors and ruin your WHOLE day!!! Fuel leaks, even gas evaporating from the carb when you shut down a hot engine can fill the engine comp with explosive vapors. Its also a very good idea to perform a-sniff test- After you turn your blower on, lean over and smell the air that the blower is discharging from your engine compartment. You should smell NO GAS FUMES. or for that matter- burnt plastic smell[wireing] steam-[water leak]-exhaust[exhaust leak] You can tell quickly if you have a fuel leak/ fumes. I averted possible disaster with this simple test. The vent hose had come loose from my fuel tank and was leaking fuel into the bildge.
You shouldnt need or want to run the blower while underway. The vents on your engine compartment should create natural ventalation Look at the louvers. on one side of the boat they should be catching air[pointing fwd] the otherside pointing aft. The carb itself sucks in hundreds of cu ft of air every minute also ventilating the engine compartment.The safety placerd on my boat tells me not to run blower while underway. Not too sure why though. Happy boatn'

 

[jmac77]

Re: New to Boating

Thanks for the detailed response. I wish that the place that sold me the boat would have explained it in that manner.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: New to Boating

Ur welcome Skipper!

 

[mandopickr]

Re: New to Boating

You should run your blower a few minutes before you start the engine, and anytime you are idling and not at speed. When you are cruising, the vents are set up to keep the fumes exiting the stern. Continuing to run your blower at speed may or may not interfere with that.

You also should not run at speed with the engine compartment "hood" cracked or open. This could force fumes into the bilge.

I am only referring to the Q6, as per my owners manual. I can't speak for other models.

 

[Ronder]

Re: New to Boating

If you can't hear it, I just hope you remember to shut if off. Otherwise, it'll drain your battery.

Yep, but there is a light for it on the panel when it is on, But for thirty dollars, let her run

 

[MelodyBay]

Re: New to Boating

Thanks for the detailed response. I wish that the place that sold me the boat would have explained it in that manner.

Read your manual....all of that information is in it.

Also, not sure where you are located but where I am all boaters must obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card via a test. That info is on it.