Run those Bilge Blowers!

[MnLakeBum]

Great info and reminder to be safe. I learned the proper procedure long ago from my days pumping gas at a marina but I’ve been lazy about this since taking delivery on our R5 last year. I fuel up from an above ground tank that I share with my neighbor on our property and will be more diligent going forward.

[liquid]

AFTER AFTER AFTER!!!

This can't be posted enough IMO.

[Whippled263]

We just had a boat blow up on Keuka lake this past Saturday. It was in a antique boat parade. 1955 centery 19 foot. Scary stuff! run those blowers.... and follow the correct procedure when filling up with fuel (blower OFF until complete).

[Kate]

Thanks WW for the information about proper refueling.

[willyswagon]

Thanks WW for the information about proper refueling.

No Problem.

Every time I hear of an explosion it sickens me cause it only takes an extra 4 min to do it correctly.

[Kate]

Thanks WW for the information about proper refueling.

No Problem.

Every time I hear of an explosion it sickens me cause it only takes an extra 4 min to do it correctly.

What about static electricity? During refueling, if you stay off the boat and ground the nozzle, you mitigate that risk. But what about when you return to the boat to turn on the blower and run the sniff test? What if you rub your feet on the carpet or sit on the upholstery? Can static electricity build up, then discharge if there are vapors present? If so, how do you mitigate that?

[willyswagon]

Grounding the nozzle takes care of the greatest risk. Static from other sources in the marine environment is rare but can happen. Remember you are returning to the boat turning on the battery switch and blower. That will negate most of the fumes. It's not likely that fumes are at high levels above decks.

[jhnmdahl]

Maybe a little off topic, but it's my forum and still demonstrates the risks of ignoring the volatility of gas vapors. This guy's gasoline (down an ant hill) turned from liquid to vapor on him, causing an unexpected result (for him and for the dog on the lawn):

ants.gif

[willyswagon]

LMAO!!!

I love it. Explain the new landscaping to da wife when she gets home from a long day at work. Vapors can kill.

Use your blower

[Kate]

In addition to bad refueling procedures, there are three equipment issues that can cause boat explosions: 1) leaking fuel, e.g., from a degraded fuel line, 2) electrical equipment, e.g., a starter, that is not "Ignition Protected." It is not true that auto and marine parts are interchangeable, 3) a deteriorated blower duct hose.

[liquid]

Maybe a little off topic, but it's my forum and still demonstrates the risks of ignoring the volatility of gas vapors. This guy's gasoline (down an ant hill) turned from liquid to vapor on him, causing an unexpected result (for him and for the dog on the lawn):

ants.gif

[mdadgar]

Another day, another boat goes BOOM.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/italy-boa ... oman-video

Italy sure is nice this time of year, though.

- Mark

[Big Block Power]

Holy Crap. I guess she's lucky to be alive.

[CobaltBill]

Good discussion on running the bilge blower after refueling. Related question: After you are underway, when is it safe to turn the blower OFF or does it need to run anytime the motor is running? I'm a volunteer firefighter and just went to my first boat explosion a few weeks ago here. Boat had just refueled and the guy hit the starter without the blower running. BOOM! Seven people onboard, six burned, two flown to a regional Burn Center. I just want to make sure I'm doing it correctly.

[mdadgar]

Good discussion on running the bilge blower after refueling. Related question: After you are underway, when is it safe to turn the blower OFF or does it need to run anytime the motor is running? I'm a volunteer firefighter and just went to my first boat explosion a few weeks ago here. Boat had just refueled and the guy hit the starter without the blower running. BOOM! Seven people onboard, six burned, two flown to a regional Burn Center. I just want to make sure I'm doing it correctly.

The sticker on the dash of my Cobalt says to run it before startup and at idle speed.

I basically have mine running all the time except when we are anchored somewhere and/or at some extended stop.

- Mark