www.iFourWinns.com

Everyone must think I'm a jerk. This is my first I/O boat and I'm not sure of the answer to this question:

Should I keep the bilge blower on the entire time the engine is running? I assume the answer is yes, but I defer to your vast experience and knowledge.

I'm sorry if my questions are so basic.

Kevin

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2003 Sundowner S205, 5.0 GL/DP 220hp
Long Island, New York
My Boat: http://www.edcr.us/boat/

i think the instructions say to run if for 5 minutes before starting. i invariably forget to turn it off, and it shouldnt matter. I also invariably ever actually use it, as typically before starting I have opened up the rear storage locker hatch which vents the bilge pretty well. certainly its fine to leave it running, but the boats vents should manage to keep the air clear whilst underway.

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yeah only need to run for 5 min before starting engine. gets all gas fumes out so there is no accidental fire.

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2006 horizon 210
1998 yamaha gp1200
2000 Tundra
1989 Honda civic (aka brown betty)

Thanks to both of you. The instructions were unclear as to whether to leave it running or not. Now I know.

Please forgive more noob questions to come.

Enjoy your boating seasons.

Kevin

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2003 Sundowner S205, 5.0 GL/DP 220hp
Long Island, New York
My Boat: http://www.edcr.us/boat/

In addition to running the blower for 4 to 5 minutes prior to engine startup, take a sniff by the outlets when you first turn on the blower, just to verify you have no gas fume odor.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Just to confuse you a bit more some would suggest you run the blower while running at idle speed, as there may not be enough air flow to vent the engine compartment.

If you fuel up at a Marina you leave the blower off while fueling and turn it on after fueling and use the capn's advice about the sniff test.

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2008 Horizon 260 VP 8.1 Gi

Thank you, everyone, for your advice. I appreciate it.

Kevin

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2003 Sundowner S205, 5.0 GL/DP 220hp
Long Island, New York
My Boat: http://www.edcr.us/boat/

I finally found what I was looking for. In the manual, there is a photo of a warning label for the blower. It says:

Gasoline vapors can explode. Before starting engine
Check engine compartment for gasoline or vapors; and
Operate blower for four minutes.
Run blower when boat is operating below cruising speed.

I guess it's probably a good idea to read ALL the warning labels!

Thanks again,
Kevin

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2003 Sundowner S205, 5.0 GL/DP 220hp
Long Island, New York
My Boat: http://www.edcr.us/boat/

After starting the boat you want to operate the blower basically anytime you are at idle speeds.

And basically, it is light outside during the day, and dark at night.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

When I am alone and in a hurry, I switch the blowers ON and then lift the back seat off for an express venting of the engine compartment. I leave it off for half-a-minute. If I don't smell gas, I am good to go.

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Four Winns 1996 Sundowner 205
5.0fi/SX engine (Volvo Penta)

Sounds like you're driving a get-away boat!

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2003 Sundowner S205, 5.0 GL/DP 220hp
Long Island, New York
My Boat: http://www.edcr.us/boat/