Windshield Vents

[nidus72]

Hey all,

I just got a new dome down top made for my Tige. Now I've discovered a new problem. The water is running off the bow cover and going into the vents at the bottom of the windshield and directly into my storage area.

So my questions are:
1) I assume these vent supposed to provide fresh air to the engine? If so does everyone have them directly connected to something? There is a black hose (looks like dryer vent hose but smaller diameter) in the storage area that comes out of the carpet bit it does not connect to this vent and is about 3 feet too short if that was its purpose in life.

2) Anyone see an issue with me running pipe (either the dryer vent style, or rigid pipe) and connecting it into the floor for the bilge?

Dave

20i Vent1.jpg20i Vent.jpg

[lincdarrow]

On my '08RZ2, those vents are for the onboard heater. The black dryer hose connects to the heater that is installed under the front side of the driver steering wheel.

[chpthril]

Those corrugated hoses should be connected to the inside portion of those intakes. This routes the air through the bilge as the boat is under way. I see no issue with doing a rigid hose, but the flexible corrugated hose is cheap and typically will last a number of years if its not disturbed much.

Since rain water is entering due to the bow cover, I would make sure you have a couple of good working automatic bilge pumps and shore power if the boat is stored on a lift with the plug in. If stored on a trailer, just be sure to leave the plug out.

[Duncan]

Take an old float noodle and carve out a plug for it. Might not be water tight but it should prevent most of the water getting in.

[nidus72]

Thanks for the input.

I was thinking about blocking them when I had the boat parked. But then I was thinking that if they are really meant to get fresh air to the motor while underway, then I should pipe them to the bilge and get the gone down there.

[Duncan]

Thanks for the input.

I was thinking about blocking them when I had the boat parked. But then I was thinking that if they are really meant to get fresh air to the motor while underway, then I should pipe them to the bilge and get the gone down there.

Even if you re-route to the bilge, there is no need for water to be coming into the boat while parked. Even if plug is out and bilge pumps work, you will increasing moisture levels inside.

[nidus72]

True enough. I might try to cut a pool noodle tonight and make some plugs. Expecting lots of rain tomorrow apparently.

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[chpthril]

Thanks for the input.

I was thinking about blocking them when I had the boat parked. But then I was thinking that if they are really meant to get fresh air to the motor while underway, then I should pipe them to the bilge and get the gone down there.

Its not air for the motor, its forced fresh air entering the bilge in front of the fuel tank, forcing any gas fumes, out the stern. Gas fumes are heavier then O2, so they settle low in the bilge. Do not reroute them, just replace the hose from the scoop to the hole in the floor of those mid-ship lockers. If water is going to enter, I would rather is run to the bilge as opposed to running into the carpeted locker.

Duncan makes a good point about added humidity under the cover, so blocking water from entering the vent scoop while the trailered/moored, is entirely up to you, but I dont recommend altering the their function for when the boat is in use.

[nidus72]

I agree. I'm thinking of doing exactly as you mentioned. I was just considering using rigid pipe instead of the flexible pipe (can't find the flexible stuff locally). Keeping the existing path to the bilge.

I also noticed the same flexible pipe in the rear locker and it's damaged likely from a water ski etc or balast bag back there. Looking at replacing it with rigid pipe too so I get the gas fumes out of the bilge properly.

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