Fumes and Sparks

[Ike]

Tom, go to http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/boatbuilder/index.htm which is the Coast Guard's Boat Builders Handbook. It's free, you can read it online or download it. For a more simplistic presentation of the regs try my site at http://members.aol.com/spinners/index.html. It's also free. If you want the Boatbuilders hand book on CD call 202-267-0984 and the Coast Guard will send you one free.

[tom kane]

Thanks ike.uscg web site (and others) has a disclaimer on the information supplied and refers you to the Federal Register.It is the responsibility of the boat manufacturer to ensure that the applicable Federal Register has not been updated since the reference date.Information specific to a boat with gasoline EFI fuel system and related accessories and other technology (such as liquid LPG EFI) is not easily available and is not covered by uscgboating regulations.Some information states that EFI is new technology and not covered by the Recreational Boating Regulations.However any marine products can be sold in the US and be used provided that they do not conflict (very vague) with the boating regulations.

[Ike]

Tom, sorry for the misunderstanding about EFI standards, Because There Aren't Any! I was only pointing you to the existing regulations, where they can be found and what they mean. I was not referring you to EFI standards. Here's a quote from a previous post I made.

"As for the fuel injection standards you can point your finger squarely at the industry for the lack of any action. In 1999 or thereabouts I wrote a letter to ABYC signed by the Chief of Boating Safety telling them that if they would propose a standard the Coast Guard would consider adopting it. (that's the short paraphrase) ABYC formed a subcommittee to devise a standard. It was made up of reps from the major engine manufacturers except one who shall remain nameless. The standard they proposed was so slanted toward a particular design that nothing every got past the proposal stage and the whole thing died aborning. I retired in Oct 2004 and still nothing had been done. So far with one exception the industry has managed to design their engines in compliance with the current regulations. They occassionally asked us if they could do thus and so and we said yea or nay. But for they most part they have done their own thing."

So, there are no standards specifically for EFI. The industry has found ways to design their fuel systems in compliance with the current regulations, and ABYC standards. I am convinced that some day ABYC will come up with a EFI standard but there doesn't seem to be anything in the offing. If this happens then the Coast Guard will probably adopt it or those parts that are absolutely necessary for safety.

If you have specific questions about what would be allowed or not allowed ask me and I'll get you an answer, or you can go straight to the horse's mouth by calling the Coast Guard. Rick Gipe is at 202-267-0985 rgipe@comdt.uscg.mil or Dick Blackman at 202-267-6810 rblackman@comdt.uscg.mil

[tom kane]

Yes Ike,I did note your previous info.I have been visiting uscg and above quite a while (much easier since internet) and seeking info to cross refrence with info supplied by others (double checking) and finding interesting technical discussion documents,some on EFI too.I appreciate all info and help on this website and others and I guess it will keep me interested for a long time yet.

[LUVMERC]

So Gonzo, I think I get it about return lines vs. pressure etc and pressur limit. Does this mean I could replace Mercruiser 488 mech engine pump with an electric in same location using the present steel output line? Interlock to oil pressure and USCG approved pump for sure. All this to prevent long cranking to prime because can't install primer bulb except over the stern? Only other way I can thing of is a small electric pump sucking at the carb but discharging into air intake?? Have read the CFR's I can find but explanation on this board more useful and understandable. I appreciate the info/help available here and will not make any mods until satisfied they are USCG legal and safe. Thanks.

Dick

[gonzo]

Yes, that would be a legal installation. There are USCG approved flexible lines too. They have metal ends with flange fittings and a steel mesh reinforced hose crimped in the middle. They would require more modifications though. You can make your own steel lines with brake lines. They are rated for more pressure than a fuel line and are of the correct alloy to make double flare ends. If you position the electric pump in a different location there won't be any need to put a block off plate where the mechanical pump is.

[Ike]

Aeroquip Racing metallic braided hose meets USCG TYpe A and SAE J 1527

[LUVMERC]

Thanks gonzo and Ike for info on brake lines and flexible hoses. Sorry for delay in responding (junk mail filter ). Accumulating pieces for mod now. Thanks again.