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Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2019 7:07 am
by 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.
Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2019 9:45 am
by liquid
AFTER AFTER AFTER!!!
This can't be posted enough IMO.
Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2019 1:41 pm
by 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).
Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Sat Oct 19, 2019 8:32 am
by Kate
Thanks WW for the information about proper refueling.
Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Sat Oct 19, 2019 3:04 pm
by willyswagon
Kate wrote: Sat Oct 19, 2019 8:32 am
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.
Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2019 9:51 am
by Kate
willyswagon wrote: Sat Oct 19, 2019 3:04 pm
Kate wrote: Sat Oct 19, 2019 8:32 am
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?
Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2019 10:02 am
by 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.
Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2019 12:46 pm
by 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
Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2019 3:01 pm
by 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
Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2019 9:24 am
by 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.
Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2019 11:12 am
by liquid
jhnmdahl wrote: Sun Oct 20, 2019 12:46 pm
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
Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2020 9:22 pm
by 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
Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2020 9:26 pm
by Big Block Power
Holy Crap. I guess she's lucky to be alive.
Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:06 pm
by 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.
Re: Run those Bilge Blowers!
Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:58 pm
by mdadgar
CobaltBill wrote: Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:06 pm
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