TOPIC: 71 Crestliner Muskie 15

New to the forums. I just picked up my first boat and I am 55. It,s a nice looking little Muskie with a 76 Johnson 70 hp. The floor is rotten, and I intend to replace it, and make it like new. This may sound stupid, but what are those 4 chrome air intakes on the four corners of the boat for?

I believe they are for venting out any fumes that may be in the hull. greg

That makes perfect sense. Thanks!

Yes they are vents, but typically found on I/O boats.

I dont think I'd want 2 forward facing 'vents', esp not on the bow. They'll likely become scuppers directing water below deck..

I suspect a previous owner added them to ventilate/dry out moisture below deck.

But thats just a guess.... but probably not original

I've seen vents on bow areas just for the purpose of letting in cooler air for sweaty feet during long summer runs. Usually have some short vent tubes attached.

golfhound44,

WELCOME ABOARD.

The vents are to prevent gasoline EXPLOSIONS/FIRES, as gasoline vapor tends to "pool" (like spilled water) in the bilge areas of boats.

yours, satx

Thanks all! When I get around to gutting her to do the floor, i will find out where to tubes lead.

The tubes go under the floor and the floor vents into the bilge. There are 2 tubes at the sides of the bilge that draw the fumes up and out the vents on the stern.As for the comment that the front scoops facing forward possibly acting like scuppers and allowing water to get under the deck, this isnot a possibility. The tri-hull design does not allow water to splash up over the bow, so no worry.

If anything, they keep things dry under the floors (and avoids any gas fume explosion by keeping fresh air in the bilge). DO NOT eliminate the vents, as they are factory designed (my 73 Muskie has them, too.