- Feb 4, 2007
- 7,251
- Boat Info
- 1996 450DA, TNT, Caribe dink w/15hp OB.
- Engines
- 3126 427HP TD transmissions
Actually. . . . I think the real reason for the rule is because people are Morons.
You want to say "Always start the blowers before starting the engine".
You don't want to say "Always start the blowers before starting the engine and fueling". That is too complicated. If the blower is already running during fueling, then you don't have to start the blower before starting the engine afterwards. That is an exception to the cardinal rule "Always start the blowers before starting the engine". If you don't start the blowers after fueling. . .next thing you know is that people won't start the blowers at other times.
People really are Morons.
You want to say "Don't run anything electrical".
You don't want to say "Don't run anything except the blowers"; because people won't understand that blowers are designed to run in explosive atmospheres and cell phones are not.
I know people who would say "If you can run the blower, then I can run the _ _ _ _ (stereo, cell phone, marine radio, refrigerator). People simply won't understand the difference in design and assume if one electrical device =safe, then ALL electrical devices = safe.
People really are Morons.
So. . .even if you fill the boat full of fumes due to a leak during filling. . . .that's ok because technically. . when you start the blower like you are supposed to before starting the engines. . you will clear the engine compartment and you will be fine.
Unless of course, you put 20 gallons of fuel in the bilge. Blowers really won't help you if you did that. Regardless of running during fueling or after fueling. Only a visual inspection will protect you against that in my mind.
I think the gas fumes finally killed the last few brain cells linking your left and right hemispheres.