I/O ventilation

oldfielder · #1 08-06-2006, 12:16 PM

Anyone have a picture of where and how the blower is mounted in the bilge of your I/O. I've been thinking of the volatility of gas fumes a little lately and would like to avoid any big bang-I read on a coast guard reg related site that the vapor from one cup of gasoline in an enclosed space can have the explosive power of five sticks of dynamite

I have a blower, but in my research it seems that it is supposed to be tied to one of the ducts via/ a flange. Mine is mounted high on the inside of the transom and simply serves to move air in the bilge, but is not directly fixed to any of the flex tubing.
I understand that the seacraft has a natural venting system, but I'm not sure how to rig this coast guard required blower.
Another thing: do most of you have the louvers on the front vents facing fore or aft? I'veseen many facing aft, but that seems to defeat their purpose of introducing air into the vent system.
Thanks
Doug

rockdoc · #2 08-06-2006, 01:10 PM

Doug,

I've rigged my I/O blowers on the inside of the transom, the blower inlet attached to flex tubing going down to almost the bottom of the bilge, under the motor, with the outlet of the blower attached to flex tubing going up to the duct up on the transom cap. On the Seafari, there are two of these ducts, and the one facing aft is the one I used for this. My understanding is that the blower pulls fumes out of the bilge, so I have set them up this way. (as oppposed to setting it up so the blower actually blows INTO the bilge). I like the two ducts up on the transom cap setup, as once underway, the forward facing duct is forcing fresh air into the engine compartment, and thia forces bilge air out through the blower and out the aft facing duct. (even though the blower isn't on). Neither of my boats has any of those side vents. To me the primary importance of the blower setup is to pull bad air and any fumes out before firing up the engine.

rockdoc

rockdoc · #3 08-06-2006, 01:16 PM

Sorry I can't send a pic because both boats have their engines and outdrives (and everything else back there) out, and the alpha one gen II is going in to the '65 Bowrider to replace the original '65 drive and engine it came with. One of these Seacrafts is eventually going to Long Island, and you may see me out at Flax Pond next summer......
rockdoc

nestorpr · #4 08-07-2006, 06:56 PM

That's right, mine's the same way. Take a look at the next picture and notice the vent on the left is facing forward, this one only has a vent leading all the way to the bilge so fresh air is forced all the way down. The right vent faces aft and the blower is attached to this vent making sure the blow direction is toward the vent. The blower also has a hose that goes all the way down to the bilge so it can scavenge all the gas fumes that like to accumulate there.

This is the Coast Guard suggested setup. Too bad I don't have any pictures of the blower inside the engine compartment.

Miles Offshore · #5 08-07-2006, 09:25 PM

great pic Bot!!!!!!!

nestorpr · #6 08-08-2006, 01:15 AM

Thanks buddy! The grandkids were beat by this time and actually fell asleep right where they are!

ScottM · #7 08-09-2006, 11:51 AM

That's the most comfortable place to sit in a boat. I've fallen asleep there many times myself.

FELLOW-SHIP · #8 08-09-2006, 12:11 PM

Ah Yes, there is nothing like crossing Biscayne Bay headed to Cesar’s Creek on a flat summer day to make you really enjoy life.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

nestorpr · #9 08-09-2006, 03:09 PM

You said it!!! Hopefully soon I'll be able to do it again. My son is scheduled to return from Iraq in September and he and the whole family are planning to come and spend December here with us. That means I would have to get the new engine installed before then but I doubt it unless a miracle happens and I get the funds by early November so the engine is installed by Dec. Wish me luck!