What is the blower on a boat and what functions does it serve?

My answer to What is the blower on a boat and what functions does it serve?

Answer by Desmond Last:

The blower is an essential safety device. It could save your life. On older petrol powered boats with carburetors I would rather swim the Atlantic than start an engine that does not have one. On a hot day your engine bay will get warm. Any fuel vapor will collect in the engine bay. The blower will extract any petrol vapour.

Safety Tip One: When you board your vessel do not start the engine until you have switched on the blower for a good 5 minutes. Make sure the blower is actually working.

I always advised boat owners to lift the engine hatches and check for fuel and oil in the bilge – coolant too.

Safety Tip Two. On the older petrol boats with carburettors do not over pump the carburetor and flood the engine.

Safety Tip Three. Make sure your alternator is a Marine Alternator with a Spark arrestor.

Safety Tip Four. Make sure the air filter has a Flame arrestor.

Safety Tip Five: Make sure your fire extinguishers are in date.

Diesel Boats have blowers too.

K&N Marine High Performance Flame Arrestors

What is the blower on a boat and what functions does it serve?

Author: Desmond Last

My name is Desmond Last. For the past 15~ years I have been writing and developing my own original new Ideas and Systems for a Better World. I am employed as a full-time Security Officer for the NSW Government at Liverpool Hospital Sydney. I also act as an Engineering Consultant to EarthCruiser Australia.

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