One thing that I forgot to add that is related: The electronics on your boat engine are different than your car (starter, alternator, etc.) and have additional safeguelards to reduce sparking. That is one reason they are more expensive than automotive components. Don't cheap out and take the massive risk.
Yes starters, alternators, distributors all must meed marine spec J1171. So do carburators and fuel pumps. In fact even fuses in the engine compartment should be different, they should be the ATC style (Closed) not ATO (open). Not many people know this last point. Lastly IMO, all gas inboards should have as standard equipment a gas vapor gas detector. And....sniff the engine compartment, your nose is actually more sensitive than a gas vapor detector! Every year with a carbed engine I go over all the fuel line connections.
SO GLAD you mention the concept of the vapours burning NOT the liquid. I learned that 40 years ago as a teen in high school auto shop, and I bet most people don’t know that about fuel. That fact itself, is what makes gasoline something that can be very dangerous if not respected. Great video once again. 🇨🇦👍🏼
Your videos should have more views! Your such a calm, likeable person and you give such concise, helpful information, Sean! I really appreciate all of your uploads 🙏
Grew up boating with my dad……..with very old wooden boats……..no bilge blower. He or I used to get on our hands and knees to sniff down in the bilge for gas fumes before starting engines. That’s why I like outboards today………the engine is not down in the bilge with fuel tank 👍
I had a Nautique , direct drive slalom , for years. , I opened the engine cover and ran the blower before first start. Then blower for a couple of minutes before restarting. If we'd been sitting for a few while changing skiers. Opening the engine compartment just seemed logical.
Great video I just purchased a little searay 120 HP jet boat.i was planning on setting up twin blowers and a single small blower sucking in air.any advantage to bringing in some fresh air My boat has 4 holes.
I never boated much, but why wouldn't they vent these engines and also have several large plugs that can blow out and / or be removed for more venting and less problems. If you had a gas leak while driving this could still happen.
Thanks for the lesson on when and why to use your blower but I couldn’t help but laugh at your closing shot as you drive away on a boat with OB engines.
Was just recently looking at adding timer type relays to my bilge blowers and starter this spring…I was struggling to decide on a timer amount…was more in the 15 seconds to 69 second range and not even close to your suggested 3-4 minutes…I have typically been more concerned with vapors after sitting at a sand bar or on the lake and then starting to move or return to the dock. You suggested the 3-4 minutes before launching the boat 🤔…I will run the blower before starting but in my mind the vapors would be less of an issue at this point because I had just trailer the boat forcing airflow through the boat and I travel (like most I think) with the drain plug out and since the gas fumes are heavier than air l, I assumed that they would easily be pushed out the drain plug while driving down road. My thoughts are that heat combined with running engine would generate fumes so I am wondering how long I should run my blower before starting again before moving or returning to the dock…great topic!
You are right and of course my (and the Coast Guard) recommendation is very cautious and has not changed with newer boats with much better fuel systems
I always wondered this. Actually always had ours running which has now unfortunately stopped working. So looks like you can definitely over do it. And now I have to find out where it is so I can replace it. 😯
He mentions that the fuel vapors are heavier than air. They sink to the bottom and will not necessarily vent by opening the top of the engine compartment. You need to suck the air out from the bottom of the hull with a fan as a result.
Or, if you are in a hurry like me. Turn the blower on, and run pack and give the air discharge a sniff! If it's clear, your good to go! If you smell anything, let the blower run for a while... And cancel your boating plans for the day... YOU HAVE A DANGEROUS PROBLEM!
One thing that I forgot to add that is related: The electronics on your boat engine are different than your car (starter, alternator, etc.) and have additional safeguelards to reduce sparking. That is one reason they are more expensive than automotive components. Don't cheap out and take the massive risk.
Yes starters, alternators, distributors all must meed marine spec J1171. So do carburators and fuel pumps. In fact even fuses in the engine compartment should be different, they should be the ATC style (Closed) not ATO (open). Not many people know this last point.
Lastly IMO, all gas inboards should have as standard equipment a gas vapor gas detector.
And....sniff the engine compartment, your nose is actually more sensitive than a gas vapor detector!
Every year with a carbed engine I go over all the fuel line connections.
The “buying marine parts” CAN’T be understated!! Alternators , starters and spark arrester type air filters.
SO GLAD you mention the concept of the vapours burning NOT the liquid. I learned that 40 years ago as a teen in high school auto shop, and I bet most people don’t know that about fuel. That fact itself, is what makes gasoline something that can be very dangerous if not respected. Great video once again. 🇨🇦👍🏼
I appreciate your kind words :-)
Your videos should have more views! Your such a calm, likeable person and you give such concise, helpful information, Sean! I really appreciate all of your uploads 🙏
Grew up boating with my dad……..with very old wooden boats……..no bilge blower. He or I used to get on our hands and knees to sniff down in the bilge for gas fumes before starting engines. That’s why I like outboards today………the engine is not down in the bilge with fuel tank 👍
I had a Nautique , direct drive slalom , for years. , I opened the engine cover and ran the blower before first start. Then blower for a couple of minutes before restarting. If we'd been sitting for a few while changing skiers. Opening the engine compartment just seemed logical.
Great video I just purchased a little searay 120 HP jet boat.i was planning on setting up twin blowers and a single small blower sucking in air.any advantage to bringing in some fresh air
My boat has 4 holes.
Great advice. I don't hear too many bilge blowers running when hanging out at the boat ramp.
Not enough Rob!
I never boated much, but why wouldn't they vent these engines and also have several large plugs that can blow out and / or be removed for more venting and less problems. If you had a gas leak while driving this could still happen.
Thanks for the lesson on when and why to use your blower but I couldn’t help but laugh at your closing shot as you drive away on a boat with OB engines.
how about open the bench cover compartment ? will it help ?
Was just recently looking at adding timer type relays to my bilge blowers and starter this spring…I was struggling to decide on a timer amount…was more in the 15 seconds to 69 second range and not even close to your suggested 3-4 minutes…I have typically been more concerned with vapors after sitting at a sand bar or on the lake and then starting to move or return to the dock. You suggested the 3-4 minutes before launching the boat 🤔…I will run the blower before starting but in my mind the vapors would be less of an issue at this point because I had just trailer the boat forcing airflow through the boat and I travel (like most I think) with the drain plug out and since the gas fumes are heavier than air l, I assumed that they would easily be pushed out the drain plug while driving down road. My thoughts are that heat combined with running engine would generate fumes so I am wondering how long I should run my blower before starting again before moving or returning to the dock…great topic!
You are right and of course my (and the Coast Guard) recommendation is very cautious and has not changed with newer boats with much better fuel systems
I was told to turn it on while idle and turn it off while driving is this true?
What happens if you forget to turn it off?
What would you do for a personal watercraft? Just take the seat off for a few minutes before starting?
So how long should you keep the blower on? While it’s running? Or can you turn it off? I just bought a 2002 inboard bayliner
Technically any time you are off plane you should run the blower. I would say almost no one does this though
I assume that you should run the blower while in a lock correct?
thanks! Should i run the blower when I am going through hour long slow speed zone?
In theory, yes
I have a question... Once the engine is running, do I keep the blower on or turn it off?
It won’t hurt to keep it on. In theory, you can turn it off when underway
@@boatinglessons Thank you!
I always wondered this. Actually always had ours running which has now unfortunately stopped working. So looks like you can definitely over do it.
And now I have to find out where it is so I can replace it. 😯
Hmm i always thought my 8.2 inboard merc pirelli 880 sport didnt have a blower, or that its automatic
what about diesel engines? Do I need a bilge blower too?
Dumb question but I'll ask it anyway. Bilge blower needed for outboard(s)?
Nope
Do run the blower after use too?? seems like you would for safe storage.
We never do, nor is it suggested. Once the engine is off, the sources of ignition reduce dramatically
Can you just not open the engine compartment for any fumes get out? In case the blower is not working
He mentions that the fuel vapors are heavier than air. They sink to the bottom and will not necessarily vent by opening the top of the engine compartment. You need to suck the air out from the bottom of the hull with a fan as a result.
How do you know the blower worked?
Since you have to shut off the boat, should you run the blowers in the locks on the TSW?
Yes, I would say so. Most locks have signage stating that.
Do you keep the blowing running at all times while operating
It doesn’t hurt to do that. However, it wears out the blower faster than need be. Turn it off if you can remember :)
Or, if you are in a hurry like me. Turn the blower on, and run pack and give the air discharge a sniff! If it's clear, your good to go! If you smell anything, let the blower run for a while... And cancel your boating plans for the day... YOU HAVE A DANGEROUS PROBLEM!