Bilge Blower

[Orla]

Re a previous post.
May be a daft question, but what is a bilge blower and what is its main purpose, should every boat have one?
I have a large fan type unit at the bottom of the lazarette which takes its air from the stern dorade via a very large dia hose/pipe. I have always assumed that it was there for the eberspacker, which i am in the middle of removing.
I was going to remove the fan also,it has never been used for the last 3 years when I bought the boat.
Should i remove it or not?

 

[oldsaltoz]

Quote:
Re a previous post.
May be a daft question, but what is a bilge blower and what is its main purpose, should every boat have one?
End Quote.

Bilge blowers or in this case engine compartment blower, are normally fitted to petrol engines in boats,

Their prime function is to remove any fuel (or gas) vapour from the compartment (or bilge) Before the starter is engaged as this will expose naked sparks the could ignite and cause an explosion if not a fire.

Hope this helps.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[WindermereColvic]

Hmm yes our boat has always had an inboard Diesel but also has a bilge blower, no idea why, thought about using it when changing filters ect, but its not in the way so it might as well stay.

 

[Orla]

Thanks for that.
I thought it was for petrol engined boats.
I will go ahead and remove the fan and its plumbing, it will make the lazarette a lot more usable.
I bet you weekend is warmer than mine, enjoy

Dougie

 

[oldsaltoz]

If you have a gas stove or other gas appliances, or gas bottle storage inside the hull, it would be a good practice to run the blower before turning the starter.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[Gerry]

We have just replaced our inline blower. It takes fumes from the diesel engine compartment(centre of boat) and vomits them out of the cockpit.
I too wondered whether it was really necessary but after a week without it when it stopped working we quickly replaced it! Found that below decks was starting to get that nasty taint of diesel in the air.

www.gerryantics.blogspot.com

 

[MidiMagic]

Keep it! You could always re-route the hose if it is in the way but as mentioned earlier you will soon notice the difference without it running as it also removes heat as well as smells. Over here wouldn't be without one, infact we have two in a 26ft. motorsailer.

 

[NormanS]

Mine draws air out of the engine space, and also the battery compartments, to ensure that there's not a build up of hydrogen from battery charging. The fan unit is sparkproof.