My Hunter is an 2005 33 with a 29 hp Yanmar engine. When and how often should the blower be used. Thank you
Mike J
Mike J
2005 33 Blower
- Thread starter mikej21
- Start date
Depends on what it's for. We know it ain't for explosive fumes.
I recently went to the backbreaking trouble of installing a bilge blower to supply cooler air for the alternator.
If it's a factory install, it may be for:
a) cooler air for the alternator
b) odour control once the engine is shut down.
c) preventing heat buildup once the engine is shut down.
Scott, I do not know about requirements in the USA but I suspect they are the same as in Canada. If you look under Transport Canada Section 6.0 Ventilation Systems you'll find this:
6.4 Diesel Engine and fuel tank space Ventilation
As stated by the Regulations:
720. On a vessel, a space that contains a combustion engine shall be ventilated to ensure a sufficient supply of air for combustion and cooling.
Information Note:
Neither mechanical nor natural ventilation is required to remove diesel fuel vapours.
Ventilating provisions and openings to the engine space shall provide for the supply of combustion air and shall accommodate the air requirements of each propulsion and auxiliary engine in that space. Refer to the manufacturer's documentation to determine the air requirements of each engine in a space.
The openings for providing the air requirements of propulsion and auxiliary engine may also function as a means of providing natural ventilation to the space.
Some boat manufacturers do install blowers, but it is more for removing heat and odor when running the engine than removing fumes like with a gasoline engine.
Motoring
I have my blower on always when ever motoring and even leave it on for a while after we get to a anchorage when cruising.
In my case my engine is right next to where we sleep in rear berth with doors that open from my rear berth to make it easy to work on engine when needed
but not really sealed tight so we use the blower to exit any heat or smell from a hot engine.
And my wife insists that I use it when we first got our H-36 and said if they installed it at the factory we should use it so what ever the wife wants me to
do I keep her a happy sailor,she hits the switch when ever the motor is on.
Nick
I have my blower on always when ever motoring and even leave it on for a while after we get to a anchorage when cruising.
In my case my engine is right next to where we sleep in rear berth with doors that open from my rear berth to make it easy to work on engine when needed
but not really sealed tight so we use the blower to exit any heat or smell from a hot engine.
And my wife insists that I use it when we first got our H-36 and said if they installed it at the factory we should use it so what ever the wife wants me to
do I keep her a happy sailor,she hits the switch when ever the motor is on.
Nick
Yes, you are correct. I think what I was thinking, that because it was a requirement for gasoline, they installed it anyways, but could be foggy memory.
From ABYC
[FONT="]Additional Uses of Ventilation -Power or natural ventilation is not required on a diesel boat, but may be used to control compartment temperature. power ventilation may also be used in the machinery space for odor control and personnel comfort while servicing equipment. [/FONT]
I've added a timer inline to the circuit that runs the blower and have it automatically turn on and off for about 5 minutes several times a day. It will pull air out of the cabin and new air in from the deck vents and keeps the boat fresh.