280 EC Blower Hoses

Dude_Himself

I blower hoses have deteriorated a bit, along with the vents. I don't have any hoses attached on the port vents, and only two attached on the starboard - they both end right by the actuator, with one running to the blower.

Is this the way it was new? Am I missing a few hoses? As I can already see this being a painful project - any better material to use for a salty boat to prevent having to do it again?

Thanks!

zaverin1

You can use
either silver dryer hoses
or white marine hoses.
most boats will have 5 hoses
one in and out on each side 
side with blower will have three

LaRea

The exhaust hose should go all the way down to the lowest part of the bilge, so it has the best chance of pulling fuel vapor. 

The intake hose should come from someplace that is not next to the exhaust hose (to avoid re-circulation).   Mine come from inside the transom locker (different boat, but you get the idea).  

I'm guessing there's no generator, or you'd have a second fan and hoses.  

I'd stay away from dryer vent.  Marine blower hose is no more expensive, and it's designed to tolerate vibration and chemicals.  

GMSLITHO

Bought the new vents from replacement boat parts 

Dude_Himself

I have the genny, but both switches operate the same blower, nearest I can tell. I believe that's factory based on the 2008 wiring diagram (although I have the 06).

Single screw, so I'd imagine the blower sucks from as far in the bilge as possible, and the returns should be run to flush the engine and cabin with fresh air from the other side?

Anyone with a 270/280 have 5 hoses connected?

Liberty44140

I dealt with this when I bought my boat and I found very reasonable white blower duct work. After 10 years the original ones would tear like paper. Here is my post on what I did. In short I added duct to all of the vents so that I could channel incoming rain water away from anything under the vents:

https://rinkerboats.vanillaforums.com/discussion/5984/342-blower-ductwork

Dude_Himself

Thanks @Liberty44140 - I read the post by @Cableguy Greg and it appears mine is like his. I'll replace the hoses on the far side, and stainless vents across the board.

Wonder how be a pain that'll be to deal with (screws are way up under the covers - do those gunwale pieces come off?

Cableguy Greg

It's a PITA to get the screws out. I got one of those small 90* screw drivers from Lowes to get up in there to get the screws out and back in. When I replaced my vent covers, I put screen on the back side of them to keep the wasps out. I had a couple trying to make a nest in the engine room a few years ago.

The boat comes with 1 blower and 2 hoses on the starboard side of the boat. No hoses on the port side. I replaced my blower last summer with the upgraded Attwood one that is super quiet. I can't even hear it running.

jme097

Yes the 280 only has one blower and its on the starboard side

Dude_Himself

@Cableguy Greg ordered one of these: https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWARAFS-Right-Angle-Shaft/dp/B013UBXU3E/ref=sr_1_7?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1522790547&sr=8-7&keywords=90+degree+screwdriver&refinements=p_85:2470955011,p_72:2661618011

Cableguy Greg

There you go!!! That is better than what I used.

Liberty44140

Just added that flex shaft to my Xmas list!

jme097

@Dude_Himself let us know how that works. I am curious what the clearance is on the short side of the elbow. I wouldn't mind replacing mine with the chrome ones eventually

Dude_Himself

I settled on these from Amazon, with a new blower (thanks @Cableguy Greg. I'd like to avoid wiggling back there again - I've found 2 black widow spiders now dewinterizing).

Liberty44140

those should work well, I used the same ones in white. 

jme097

Which blower did you get?

Dude_Himself

The "Quiet" Attwood 4k series.

jme097

Is this it?

jme097

Cableguy Greg

Yes, that's it. Turbo Series 2 blower. It's very quiet.

jme097

Perfect. I need to replace my hoses as well they are brittle. Anyone got a link of what they used?

Liberty44140

I used this, 4” x 50’

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

Dude_Himself

Shields is what the local West Marine carries. I looked at the fancy blue stuff - but $100 for 12 feet of hose seems ridiculous.

Cableguy Greg

Liberty44140 said:

I used this, 4” x 50’

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

Not a bad price for 50 feet.

jme097

I only have one blower in my bilge. Do you think I would benefit from adding another or leave it?

zaverin1

One for your engine would lol

Handymans342

Dont listen to Zav, remember what your blower exhausts you have to have the intake as well 

zaverin1

What?
blower for his 350 or 496 lmao
handy Mandy 

mvn

Not for the faint of heart, but I use the urethane hoses shown in this link.  They are very tough.  I also got a section of the adjustable hose for the blower inlet as it holds it's shape without fastening it to the bottom of the bilge.

http://store.workshopsupply.com/catalogue/hose-clamps-c-638.html?osCsid=94bdc45a1c19493168d3cce369caa1ba

Mark

LaRea

Which?  Forgive my ignorance -- I see EVA, PUR and PVC but I don't know which one you mean.

mvn

PUR