Anyone replace fuel and fresh water hull vents?

[DaleH]

Not sure where the cheapest place is to get em, but here they are a Go2Marine.

I have bought quite a bit of product from Go2Marine and they carry many items others don't (like real 316L stainless steel bolts) ... but ShipStore sells them cheaper, like the LG50 for $70 (vs. $91) and the LG100 for $87 (vs. $96) click LG50 or LG100, www.shipstore.com .

But "before you buy" ... I urge you all to read this great test report on these fuel/air separators from Boat/US, click here and see a summary below ...

Inline Fuel/Air Separator Summary: We discovered a very disturbing trend with most of the inline devices tested. For most of the units, pumping at 10 gpm until the automatic shut-off nozzle clicked off caused fuel to bubble over the mock-up’s deck. The results were even more disastrous when we pumped at 20 gpm. Due to the sudden blockage of the vent by the rising ball in the inline separators, fuel (mixed with air), was then forced out of the actual filler hole!

We did not slow down our pumping, even when we heard gurgling, which may account for some of the less than positive results. But since many people lock the pump handle and walk away, we felt that filling at full speed simulated a realistic situation. For these reasons we do not recommend using a hands-free device and we do recommend keeping your hands and face clear from the filler hole.

In general, the larger the unit and the slower you pumped, the better these devices performed. The fact is, there is simply is no substitute for careful and deliberate fueling. Listen to these devices, know how much fuel you need and slow down when you think you are near full. Do not top off and these devices may suit you just fine.

 

[Megabyte]

Dale,

Interesting that you posted this.
I had 'heard' in my cirle of friends that if you were going to select one of these devices, to pick the LG100... as it gave better results.

No direct knowlege... just word-of-mouth feedback.

Personally, I hope to install one on my boat someday. :wink:

 

[Porkchunker]

Ok, my two Orcas vents came in. Looks like they will be fairly easy to install.

Installed the two Orca vents yesterday. Slick!!!! Didn't have the camera with me at the time, so I didn't get any boat porn of the job. Will try to get some of the finished results next time I'm at the boat.

 

[Porkchunker]

Ok, here is the boat porn of the job. Couldn't get pics of the inside because of all the fishing gear.

Looked at some new Parker models at Tri-State last Sun and again today. All were equipped with Orca vents. Seems Parker has made an improvement in the lineup.

 

[Megabyte]

Good to know Dave.
It might be time for me to upgrade...

 

[cbigma]

Ok, here is the boat porn of the job. Couldn't get pics of the inside because of all the fishing gear.

Wow Gotta love the recessed installation... Nice Job.

How tough would it be to remove the screen assembly to clean it? I was trying to see from the parts layout if you could leave the stainless recessed "bowls" in place while you remove the screen head for cleaning, or if the screen head is what holds the assembly together?

Pretty slick-lookin' installation 8)

 

[Porkchunker]

One large hex nut holds the entire assembly together. To clean the screens you would have to remove the 5/8" vent hoses and back off the hex nut. But they went in so easily, that shouldn't be a problem to do every other year or so. Before I removed them, I'd try Salt Away to clean the screens.