In addition to ventilation, there are other tools and methods to prevent fires on a boat. It’s a more active process and you’ll know it’s working. That makes sense, right?Īll things being equal, powered ventilation is a far safer method of boat ventilation. If the fumes can’t build up, ventilation of this kind is less of an issue. Ones that do not have fuel sitting in tanks over an extended period of time. Natural ventilation is well suited for smaller boats. That’s why boats that have enclosed engines need powered ventilation. Natural vents are not good at eliminating fumes that build up like that. The longer a boat sits the more likely it is to have built up fumes. There’s a good reason why blowers should be turned on for four minutes before you turn on your boat engines. But it’s in those crucial moments before a boat is in motion when this is dangerous. In motion, air flow will increase and that’s good. Fumes can build up and ventilation will still be power. If a boat has been sitting still, air can stagnate. The problem with natural ventilation is air movement. But natural is definitely not as effective as power. Less power consumption is always a big plus on a boat. Some might feel the natural way sounds better. Obviously there’s a major difference between powered and natural ventilation systems. Is a Powered Ventilation System the Best Choice? That way fumes are not allowed to build up too far. But it needs to be in the lower third of the compartment. The fan blades spin to force air to flow in and out of cabin spaces.Īn intake duct for an exhaust blower needs to be above the normal level of the bilge water. Powered ventilation systems use blowers to circulate air. These are far more common, especially in modern boats. The alternative to natural ventilation is powered. These cowl vents increase airflow when the boat is in motion. The ducts in a natural ventilation system should be covered as well. Or below the level of the carburetor air intake. This one has to extend midway to the bilge at the very least. It has to extend from outside in the fresh air to the lower part of the bilge. Your boat will require at least one exhaust duct installed. They require at least two ventilator ducts to function. Natural ventilation systems are not powered. You can still use one of two ventilator systems, depending on your kind of boat. Powered Ventilation Systems vs Natural Ventilation Systems It will keep those enclosed areas dry and free from dangerous fumes. Good air circulation with bilge blowers or other powered blowers is key. Mildew is notorious for building up on anything from wood to plastic to fiberglass. Plus it can effectively destroy your boat’s hull over time. That’s a secondary health risk above the fire issue from fuel fumes. Over time, this can lead to mold and mildew in enclosed spaces. Humidity and moisture are notorious in the bilge area. There’s also a second reason to ventilate your boat. Fumes from fuel are highly explosive and flammable. Without something like a blower fan or a dorade vent, that can become dangerous. Most boats, even larger boats, can allow gasoline fumes to build up. Your ventilation system exists to disperse gasoline fumes. They must legally use powered ventilation systems.īut what’s the reason? What’s that fresh air for? Simple. That means any boat with an enclosed engine or permanent fuel tanks up to today. Natural ventilation was no longer legal for such engine configurations. So as of 1982, if a boat had installed fuel tanks or an enclosed engine, powered was the rule. Now it would distinguish between natural ventilation and powered ventilation. This was required by law, and still is.įast forward to 1982 and the law was changed again. Any boat powered by gasoline would be required to have adequate ventilation. In fact, it dates all the way back to April 25, 1940. Why Fresh Air is Important for Cabin Ventilationīoat ventilation is nothing new. Let’s take a look at boat ventilation and what you need to stay safe. Because of that, you’re going to want to know exactly how and why your boat needs to be ventilated. It’s also something that must follow specific, legal guidelines as well. How you ventilate your boat is of vital importance. But on a boat, it can literally be a life or death issue. Ventilation is rarely something most of us give a second thought to.
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