New sign on our Marina Fuel pumps.....do you agree?

Quint4

Quint4

Well-Known Member
TECHNICAL Contributor
Oct 6, 2006
6,750
NC
Boat Info
CY 3375
Engines
7.4 MPI twin
Noticed a new sign on the fuel pumps at the marina.

"Please run blower during and after fueling"

I thought running the blower while re-fueling could cause vapors to be drawn into the bilge via the negative pressure you are creating? I have always ran the blower only after re-fueling.

What are your thoughts?
 
I was always taught to turn off the batteries completely when fueling with gas on a boat. This would prohibit utilizing the blower during fueling.
 
"Please run blower during and after fueling"
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They are retarded on that. :wow:

After fueling up you run the bilge blowers for 4 to 5 minutes. :thumbsup:,

Don't run them when fueling up . :smt021
 
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I agree with everyone. As close as my fuel fill is to my blower vents, if I ran the blower it would pull fuel vapors in. This has been discussed at length in several boating classes I have been in and why it is dangerous not to turn off the blower when fueling. I always turn off blower, fill, then turn blower back on.

I can't believe they have a sign stating that. They are opeing themselves to alot of liability if there is an accident.
 
"As a side - Does everyone always run them 4-5 minutes?"

Usually before I start the engine, I've had the seat up/compartment open for at least a few minutes checking fluids, bilge, admiring it's beauty etc. Any fumes would have been noticed and dissipated during this time. I still run the blower for a minute or two just in case (any fumes might be lurking in the back), but if I've had the seat up I don't go a full 4.
 
Does everyone always run them 4-5 minutes?
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Well I do that's why I'm still here just to p*ss you guys off by playing by the rules. :grin:
 
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I usually turn on the blowers and fume detector after I finish pumping. By the time I wind up the hose, go inside and pay for the gas, collect my family and get back to the boat, its been at least five minutes. I still pop a hatch and stick my nose in there and give a good sniff despite having a fume detector. I also run my blowers when I'm running at slow speeds.
 
They also have a sign that says "attendants are NOT permitted to dispense fuel" but they all seem to do it. I also think that opens them up to some potential liability if something goes wrong if they are filling up contra to their own rules.
 
I run our gas dock and you only run the blower after fueling! You should also close all cabin vents and hatches while fueling and open all of them once done. I fuel all boats...our DER regulations require an operator on the dock/water so someone can be held responsible in case of a fuel spill, Mike.
 
Jdr01930 said:
"As a side - Does everyone always run them 4-5 minutes?"

Usually before I start the engine, I've had the seat up/compartment open for at least a few minutes checking fluids, bilge, admiring it's beauty etc. Any fumes would have been noticed and dissipated during this time. I still run the blower for a minute or two just in case (any fumes might be lurking in the back), but if I've had the seat up I don't go a full 4.
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I was taught in Power Squadron's boating course that your best defence against a gas explosion is your nose. Run the blower AFTER fueling and take a whiff of the exhausted air - if gas is present in the ER, you'll smell it. If no gas fumes, I usually don't wait the full 4-5 minutes.
 
Before starting, I always sniff the exhaust side vents while running the blower. If there is gas vapor present, you will smell it.
 
Witnessed a spectacular explosion on the Avalon Fuel dock.
Always run your fan after fueling.
Yeah,, explosions really happen.
 
Pennsylvania Boat Explosion Leaves 1 Dead, 6 Injured
Published May 31, 2011
Associated Press

ERIE, Pa. -- Officials say a powerboat exploded after refueling at the Erie Yacht Club, killing one person and injuring six others.

Mike Lynch, the general manager of the Erie Yacht Club, says the 32-foot vessel had just been refueled at about 6:30 p.m. Monday and was being started when it exploded.

Lynch tells the Erie Times-News that five people were on the boat at the time of the explosion, including the woman who was killed.

Four of those injured were passengers on the boat and the two others who were injured were employees of the private 1,200-member yacht club.

Lynch says three of the injured were transported to a Pittsburgh hospital to be treated for burns.

Neither the woman who was killed nor the injured were identified.

An investigation is ongoing.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/05/3...losion-leaves-1-dead-6-injured/#ixzz1Nw5tAEcv
 
Just got fuel yesterday with a friends boat. I flipped on the blower right after fueling, but also opened the hatch some to take a quick look around the engine room. Same drill I do with my boat too.
 
I hear the arguments.

My view is that if there are enough vapors around to cause an issue with accumulation with blowers running - you got MUCH bigger problems.

On my boat, my head is way closer to the gas nozzle than the vents.

Regardless - just make sure the blower is running those precious minutes before starting up.
 
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