side hull vents

[BigLew]

Gentlemen,
I might be wrong, so let me know.

Just because you don't have an internal combution engine mounted below decks, doesn't mean that there is no other possible source of spark; wiring, defective bilge pump, other/improperly selected motor driven device. I'd really feel terrible if anyone were to be injured by gas fume explosion because their below deck fuel tank was inadequately vented.

It is good practice to run a "bilge blower" from 5 minutes before engine start to five minutes after cutting the ignition. I witnessed a Donzi I/O explode at the dock as a result of a teenager jumping in the boat and immediately turning the key.

PS- He was killed and the boat tied up next to him was severely damaged as well.

PPS- Personally, I don't let anyone on board when I start my engine, if at all possible. Further, I open the engine hatch for a few minutes before I start the engine and leave it open while starting and then close. I guess I err on the side of caution.