What are ventilation systems on a boat used for?
There are 2 types of ventilation systems:
Natural ventilation system
A natural ventilation system consists of at least two ventilator ducts, fitted with cowls or their equivalent:
- A minimum of one exhaust duct installed so as to extend from the open atmosphere to the lower portion of the bilge.
- A minimum of one intake duct installed so as to extend to a point at least midway to the bilge or at least below the level of the carburetor air intake.
Powered ventilation system
A powered ventilation system consists of one or more exhaust blowers. Each intake duct for an exhaust blower should be in the lower one-third of the compartment and above the normal accumulation of bilge water.
You, the owner of the boat, are responsible for keeping your boat's ventilation systems in operating condition.
Make sure:
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Openings are free of obstructions.
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Ducts are not blocked or torn,
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Blowers are operating properly.
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Worn out parts are replaced with equivalent marine type equipment.
NOTE: Boats built after July 31, 1980, that contain power exhaust blowers in gasoline engine compartments must have the following warning sticker near the instrument panel:
WARNING
GASOLINE VAPORS CAN EXPLODE.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OPERATE
BLOWER FOR 4 MINUTES AND CHECK ENGINE COMPARTMENT
FOR GASOLINE VAPORS.
