Launching question

H

hoga10

Member
Joined
Jan 12, 2007
RO Number
24844
Messages
21
Hi all,
Last year we witness the aftermath of an engine compartment explosion on a bowrider. I'm pretty sure it was a case of not running the blower to vent out the fumes. The damage was pretty extensive from our observation and could seriously injure all on board. I would assume that we all use our blower before starting the engine. However, do you launch the boat with the family on board or just by yourself and then come back to pick them up at the dock?
 
For safety's sake (I assume you're talking about a trailer launch) put the boat in, tie off to dock, start blower, park rig, load family, then start engine. Single up your lines and depart.

If slipped...start blower. Open engine hatch if possible, load the family up after about five minutes, start and depart.
 
Don't forget to "sniff" the engine compartment. If it smells like gasoline...
 
"single up your lines"? Mike were you in the Navy????
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gregory Saracco

"single up your lines"? Mike were you in the Navy????

Click to expand...


Not quite. I was an Aqua Tot though. ;)
 
I launch with family in the boat except one to tie the dock line off.But I am the only one that starts the boat.They turn blower on while I park the truck.I come back open engine compartment,sniff test.I then check for things that will blow out and make sure everyone is sitting where i want them. Then we are off to have fun
 
Hoga,

Running the blower is essential, but keep in mind it is primarily a safety pre-caution. It shouldn't be clearing out any quantity of flammable fumes! There shouldn't be any; if you have fumes that can be detected by your nose, fix the problem, don't rely on the blower.
 
Open engine cover, sniff,(nose works a lot better since quitting smoking), remove dead bait from bilge left by drunken buddy, turn on blowers, check bilge pump switches, adjust the lines just enough to make the fat people sweat a little getting on,turn on gps units, turn on radio's, start engine, look for leaks, close cover, board passengers, explain safety stuff and locations, repair engine when it stalls, then go fishing. Dead bait is optional.
 
I sniff for fumes in the engine compartment,and fuel compartment before I ever turn on the blower.Why would you turn on an electric blower motor before you checked for fumes?
 
Blowers are totally over rated..if they actually did what they claim to they would be a safety default built in.They do create static electricity(spark)I do howevre have a use for them.When I'm in Idle zones..The side vents for air are designed to have air moved through them.When idleing I turn them on..Keeps the air circulating.It gets hot in there and carb'd motors don't re-tne themselves for that much heat all of a sudden.

The point here from me is this..Please to god do NOT rely on your blowers to save your but.if you have a fuel leak big enough to cause an explosion you SHOULD already know this...If not you need to spend more time making sure things are Ship-Shape.If it makes ya feel better go ahead and keep on running them.Just don't let them be a safety rope for ya.You should know your boat better.*knocksonwood*
 
First thing, I open I/O engine compartment and sniff. Then check the engine oil, belts etc. Then close, switch battery on, run blower. Then sniff blower exhaust and finally crank engine. Blower is supposed to be sized so a four-minute run affords two air changes within the closed compartment. I like to run the blower even though I've sniffed the compartment because the blower pickup hose is a whole lot lower in the bilge than I can stick my head. At least and still be able to get back out unassisted...
 
Usually I go down in the engine room, check the engine, and sniff for gas. If I smell any, I'm probably not on the right boat... :-)
 
My launching proceedure is this:

Arrive at launch prep area,
Turn on blower
remove tie downs securing boat to trailer
Transfer any gear from tow vehicle to boat
Put all the crew, dogs, etc. in the boat

The next step varies, depending on if I am confident the boat will start (just started yesterday versus hasn't been started in a month), how cold the water is, how steep the ramp is, etc.

Typical:
Back the boat down the ramp until deep enough to start the engine but tongue is still dry.
Boat driver starts the engine while car driver disconnects bow hook
With thumbs up signal from boat driver, back trailer a few more feet, tap brakes to slide boat off
Pull trailer out, park while boat driver "hovers" nearby
Boat driver bows up to dock to pick up car driver, never needs to tie up

I generally spend less than a minute on the ramp.

Rod
 
Rod - I like your style. Although I'm outboard powered (no blower), you and I have the exact same procedure. We use a single lane ramp and it's an absolute necessity to clear the ramp pronto.
 
Hi all,

Just thought I'd jump in on this conversation because I have a slightly different take on the launch/start up proceedure.

When we were boating with our 21' trailer boat, I'd make sure all the equipment, coolers etc were in the boat, I'd fasten the fenders etc. at the launch prep area. At this point I'd sniff and start the blower, then I'd back the boat and trailer down the ramp (no warm bodies in the boat) while family waits at dock. When the boat splashed I'd sniff again and then start. The Admiral would drive the truck and trailer to parking, I'd motor to dock to pick up family (including wife who had to run or I'd leave without her;o) and we'd be off.

I guess my point here is that I did not allow family on the boat until after the initial engine start. I still follow this rule today. When engine is being started for first trip of the day, no family on board. This is just my extra step, but I thought I'd throw it out there for discussion.

Besides, when the kids are on the dock and not in the boat, it's not so easy for them to hear me swear when the boat doesn't start.

Bcat
 
Mike, i love to be up on my fly bridge, look down at my wife and yell"single up all lines!" She then glares at me and reminds me I'm not in the Navy anymore!
Greg
 
Usual Proceedure. Night before check oil, PS, outdrive oil and greese, Wheel bearing greese. Battery charge and Put in the Plug!

After arriving at the ramp and preping for Launch. Check the Plug! Turn on blower, load remaining stuff.

If my buddies there he backs me in and I drive the boat over to the dock. If not the boat is moved by hand and waits for me to return from parking the truck.

I don't want to have to swim out after the boat again should it stall and the Admiral can't get it started again. BTDT
 
"Ohio State Parks Rules state that all persons but the driver must exit the vehicle during launching and loading"

Good rule
 
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