Best Air Blowers For Boats: A Comprehensive Guide

Air blowers are an essential safety feature for boat owners, as they prevent the build-up of flammable fumes in the engine compartment. The best air blower for boat owners will efficiently remove these fumes and reduce the risk of explosion, especially when the engine is turned on after a period of inactivity. The Attwood 1749-4 Quiet Blower is a highly recommended model that can be installed horizontally or vertically and features a water-resistant pump. It also has a low amperage motor, which increases the longevity of the battery.

Why boat owners need an air blower

Boat owners need an air blower, also known as a bilge blower, to remove hazardous and flammable gases from the engine compartment of their boat. This is important to prevent the risk of an explosion, which could occur due to a spark or static charge igniting the gases. A bilge blower is a small exhaust fan that is installed in the transom of the boat and attached to a hose that goes down to the inboard engine compartment. The other end of the blower is connected to a bilge vent on the outside of the boat, allowing the hazardous fumes to be sucked out and exhausted out of the boat.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) requires functional bilge blowers on all non-open type boats built after 1980 that run on gas. Even older boats must meet the minimum USCG ventilation levels, which may require a bilge blower. Additionally, diesel boats should also have blowers for extra safety and ventilation of fumes.

It is recommended to run the bilge blower for at least four minutes before starting the engine to ensure adequate ventilation of the bilge. This will help to remove any gas buildup that may be present. However, it is important to note that a bilge blower will not rid the compartment of spilled fuel, as it will continue to emit vapors. In such cases, it is advisable to clear the fuel first and then leave the bilge blower on and the compartment hatch open until the gases escape.

Furthermore, it is not advisable to turn on the bilge blower while refueling, as it can pull in fuel fumes instead of ventilating them. Instead, turn it off during refueling and then turn it on once the tank is filled to exhaust any flammable gases that may have entered the bilge.

Ordinary bilge blowers are not designed for continuous use and can burn out if left on for extended periods. However, there are heavy-duty bilge blowers available that are meant to be run continuously, providing added convenience and peace of mind.

The best air blowers for different boat sizes

When choosing an air blower for your boat, it's important to consider the size of your vessel. Different-sized boats have different ventilation needs, and selecting the right air blower can ensure optimal airflow and efficiency. Here are some of the best air blowers for different boat sizes:

Small boats

Small boats typically require compact and efficient air blowers that can fit into tight spaces without compromising on performance. A good option for small boats is the SEAFLO 3" In-Line Marine Bilge Air Blower, which offers a quiet and powerful solution for yacht and sailboat owners. It has a 12V power rating and a 130 CFM airflow capacity, making it a top choice for small to medium-sized boats.

Medium-sized boats

For medium-sized boats, a more powerful air blower may be necessary to ensure adequate ventilation. The Attwood 1749-4 Turbo 4000 Series II In-Line Blower is a great option for boats with a 4-inch interior diameter vent hose. It's water-resistant and offers a higher CFM rating of 270, making it ideal for larger spaces. Another good choice for medium-sized boats is the DC HOUSE 4'' Electric in-Line Marine Bilge Air Blower, which provides quiet and efficient ventilation with a 12V power rating and 270 CFM airflow capacity.

Large boats

Large boats require air blowers that can move a significant amount of air to ensure proper ventilation in spacious cabins and compartments. The SEAFLO 4" In-Line Marine Bilge Air Blower is a popular choice for large boats, as it offers a higher CFM rating of 270 while maintaining a quiet operation. The YaeMarine Marine Boat 12v Electric 4" Inline Bilge Air Blower is another excellent option for large boats, as it provides a powerful 270 CFM airflow capacity to keep the interior of your boat well-ventilated.

How to install an air blower

Installing an air blower, or bilge blower, is an important step in ensuring the safety of your boat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install an air blower:

Step 1: Understand the Purpose and Function of a Bilge Blower

Before installing an air blower, it is essential to understand its purpose and function. A bilge blower is a device used to remove flammable fumes from the engine compartment of a boat. It helps prevent explosions by eliminating hazardous gases that may build up due to leaks in gas lines or hoses. The blower sucks in these fumes and exhausts them out through a vent, reducing the risk of ignition and keeping your boat safe.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Bilge Blower

There are two main types of bilge blowers: centrifugal and in-line. In-line bilge blowers are typically more cost-effective, quieter, and require less power to operate. They are often the best choice for most boats. However, if you have a complicated and restrictive ducting system, your boat mechanic may recommend a centrifugal blower, which can create more pressure to overcome friction in the ventilation system.

Step 3: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Before beginning the installation process, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials, including the blower unit, hoses, vents, and any other required components. You may also need basic hand tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and drills, depending on your boat's configuration.

Step 4: Determine the Blower's Location

The bilge blower should be installed in the transom of your boat, which is the vertical section at the rear. This location allows for proper ventilation and easy access for maintenance.

Step 5: Connect the Blower to the Engine Compartment

Attach the blower to a hose that runs down to your inboard engine compartment. Ensure the hose is securely connected to the blower and reaches the engine compartment without any kinks or obstructions.

Step 6: Connect the Blower to a Bilge Vent

Connect the other end of the blower to a bilge vent on the outside of your boat. This vent allows the hazardous fumes to be expelled from the boat. Ensure the vent is clear and unobstructed to facilitate proper ventilation.

Step 7: Test the Blower

Once the blower is installed, test it to ensure it is functioning properly. Turn on the blower before starting the engine, allowing it to run for at least four minutes to ventilate the bilge adequately. Use your sense of smell to detect any remaining fumes. If you still smell gasoline, let the blower run for a bit longer until the strong odor dissipates.

Step 8: Maintain and Operate the Blower Properly

It is important to operate and maintain the bilge blower correctly. Ordinary bilge blowers are not designed for continuous use, so avoid leaving them on at all times. Additionally, do not turn on the blower while refueling, as this can pull fuel fumes into the engine compartment. Instead, turn it off during refueling and back on once the tank is filled.

By following these steps, you can properly install an air blower on your boat, ensuring adequate ventilation and significantly reducing the risk of explosions caused by flammable fumes. Remember to choose the appropriate type of blower, install it in the correct location, and operate it according to the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines.

How long to run an air blower for

The minimum recommended time you should run the blower to ventilate the bilge is four minutes. This is to ensure that the bilge is clear of any gas buildup that might be present. However, some boat manuals and USCG regulations recommend running the blower for five minutes.

It's important to note that ordinary bilge blowers are not designed for continuous use, so running them for extended periods may cause burnout. If you wish to keep the blower running for the entire duration of your trip, consider investing in a heavy-duty blower designed for continuous use.

Additionally, it is recommended to keep the blower running whenever you are idling or travelling at no-wake speeds for a long time, as the engine produces more unburnt fuel vapours in these conditions.

It is also worth mentioning that you should not run the blower while refuelling your boat, as this can pull in fuel fumes instead of ventilating them. Instead, turn the blower on once the tank is filled to clear any fumes that may have built up.

Finally, if you have spilled fuel inside the bilge, you will need to clear the fuel first before turning on the blower. Leave the blower running and the compartment hatch open until the strong odour of gasoline dissipates.

How to know if you need a heavy-duty air blower

A heavy-duty air blower is a good investment if you want to leave your bilge blower running continuously. Heavy-duty blowers are more expensive than ordinary blowers but are designed to operate continuously without burning out.

Bilge blowers are used to remove flammable fumes from the engine compartment of a boat. They are important for preventing explosions and are required by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for all non-open type boats built after July 31, 1980, that run on gasoline.

Bilge blowers are available in two main types: centrifugal and in-line. In-line blowers are more cost-effective and draw less power from the battery. Centrifugal blowers can create more pressure and are better for complicated and restrictive ducting systems.

When choosing a bilge blower, it's important to consider the size of your engine compartment. The volume of your engine compartment will determine the size of the blower you need, with larger compartments requiring a blower that can handle a higher cubic feet per minute (CFM) rate.

• Engine Compartment Size: As mentioned, the size of your engine compartment will dictate the size and power of the blower you need. Heavy-duty blowers typically offer higher CFM rates and are better suited for larger engine compartments.
• Boat Type: If you have a non-open type boat that runs on gasoline and was built after 1980, you are required by the USCG to have a functional bilge blower. In this case, a heavy-duty blower that can run continuously would be a good choice.
• Frequency of Use: If you use your boat frequently and for extended periods, a heavy-duty blower that can withstand continuous use would be a wise investment. This way, you won't have to worry about forgetting to turn the blower on or off during your ride.
• Safety: A non-functional or inadequate bilge blower can pose a serious safety hazard, as it can lead to engine fires or even explosions. A heavy-duty blower that meets or exceeds the minimum USCG ventilation levels can provide added safety and peace of mind.
• Maintenance: Heavy-duty blowers are designed for continuous use and typically require less maintenance than ordinary blowers. This can save you time and money in the long run.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether you need a heavy-duty air blower for your boat. Remember, when it comes to boat safety, it's always better to be cautious and well-prepared.

Frequently asked questions