General Info: Venting the Engines

[Sonosailor]

I put this under general info, as I doubt it is unique to my model...

I have a pretty little Tobago 35, which has air hoses carrying air into the engine compartments from vents behind the stainless steel name plates and from two scoops under the boat in the area of the back cockpit seats. In my mind both sets of inlets work by scooping air as you move forward, causing increased air pressure in the engine compartment.

It just seems to me it would be better if I took the little metal scoops under the cockpit and turned them around so that they would act to create a vacuum as we move forward, allowing air to leave the engine compartments. The name plates would be the inlets and the underside scoops would be outlets. Any opinions?

Anyone have any comments on how to improve air flow through the engine compartments? It would decrease overall boat temperature, and increase longevity of alternators and other parts, I would think.

On another note, the boat is 16 years old - 16 years of working like this. Interesting how we just sit and think of things to improve. Must be how we evolved.

[tamicatana]

I have blowers - not a bad thing to add

[sailpower]

Aren’t those meant to provide air into the motors for combustion?

I suggest contacting the manufacturer before you modify the air boxes if that is what they are.

[Cheechako]

If it aint wrong dont fix it. I'm guessing positive pressure moves air easier than vacuum. (most pumps push better than they pull)
You have either been at anchor too long and need to "find things to improve" for something to do, or you're off the boat and "pipe dreaming" how to "improve it" from afar! Been there, done that! haha

[Dragon Lady]

I have installed blowers in the existing vent lines on my Lavezzi 40 to augment the flow of the original convection system.
It seems to work fine.

[Dulcesuenos]

When your motoring is there "hot or warm " air coming from the exhaust side of the vent? We installed a blower on ours, mainly as a safety precaution though it never had o e either for 17 years.

[Dragon Lady]

Yes hot air comes out, I installed mine mainly to remove smells from the engine bay that were working their way back into the cabin sometimes. It also helps with drying the engine bays.

[Kiwikat]

Here is a link to a similar thread:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tml#post933886

A Bahia, but it may be useful.

[Kiwikat]

Originally Posted by Dragon Lady

Yes hot air comes out, I installed mine mainly to remove smells from the engine bay that were working their way back into the cabin sometimes. It also helps with drying the engine bays.

DL, we had problems with fumes in the aft cabin, port hull. We were recently exploring for a wiring access and discovered an empty 1 1/2 inch (40mm) conduit tube running from the engine compartment through to under bed. Now plugged up.

[Dragon Lady]

Originally Posted by Kiwikat

DL, we had problems with fumes in the aft cabin, port hull. We were recently exploring for a wiring access and discovered an empty 1 1/2 inch (40mm) conduit tube running from the engine compartment through to under bed. Now plugged up.

OK that will do it.