Replacing Blower Hoses

Willhound

Blower hoses are ripped in a couple of spots so want to replace them.
This thread https://rinkerboats.vanillaforums.com/discussion/5834/fv-312-blower-vent-hose
shows both intake and exhaust hoses. Mine has none on the intake side, just the covers up top. Should there be?
Also, I'm thinking of using 4" "Big O" pipe (weeping tile). Still flexible but a lot tougher than the flimsy plastic stuff. Any reason why I can't or shouldn't?

frenchship

Have look at this site. 
http://www.ducting.com/

LaRea

Any time you need to temporarily move the hose to reach something in the engine room, I think a semi-rigid hose such as drainage tile would be a pain.  With the flimsy plastic stuff, you can just pull it out of the way.

Willhound

That's a good point LaRea. Can't recall much over in that area, but I'll take another look. Anybody have an opinion on hoses attached to the intake side?

Cableguy Greg

There should be a hose running from the vent to the bottom of the bilge for an intake.

Willhound

Thanks Cableguy Greg. Just the one? Leave the other vent for just general air? (I have two in each side)

J3ff

The goal of the hoses is to remove air from the lowest part of the bilge possible... so one hose should go to one side of the bottom of the bilge and the other should be on the other side of the bilge... gets the fumes out faster or something. 

J3ff

zaverin1

Go to lowes or Home Depot and buy flex dryer hoses not the regid kin but soft flex.
they dont burn and save you a ton $
One hose goes to blower and then to a vent
then same side hose goes to forward of the engine
two hoses on opposite side will be routed down transom and the other one will be forward again

skennelly

@zaverin1 - just a suggestion to your idea which I did.  Got the vent at Menards but noticed the opening would suck against the transom when I turned the blower on.  My fix was to put a 4" pvc collar at the end that gives it rigidity and keeps it open.  Used a 4" clamp to secure it

Liberty44140

I did this last summer but i read that you should not use dryer hose due to flame rating or something like that so I found 4" bilge blower hose online pretty inexpensively 

Willhound

If I went that route (dryer vent) I'd use the aluminized version, not vinyl. In fact, in Canada anyway, the vinyl vent no longer meets code for dryers or heating. Has to be aluminum. As far as a boat though, I suppose it doesn't really matter. If there's a fire in the engine compartment the style of vent isn't likely to change anything.

zaverin1

Alluminized hoses will not burn
i tested it personally and they meet government rating. That's why you can use them on a dryer
i did use clamps and zip ties.

Liberty44140

http://www.discountmarinesupplies.com/product.cgi?product=138431&group=112933

That is what I used, I think all in it was less than $40

zaverin1

Yep that's standard rubberized hoses that either way will last 10 plus seasons lol