I did read Boat US info...the only one I saw was a guy vacuuming his gas fuel tank....and a few trying to vacuum up gasoline...no mention of "present vapors".
Anyone have the link to this new global threat?
I did find this in Seaworthy....the way I read ot, it doesn't say dont use one, just not if you smell vapors present.... if it was don't use one ever in a gas boat, the warning would be more specific and stronger. So I don't believe the insurance thing until I see a link. Plus my brain knows better anyhow.
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Bilge Busting Tips
By Tom Neale
A wet/dry vacuum cleaner, such as a Shop-Vac (tm) is a great tool for bilge maintenance. You can pour bilge cleaners down there all day long, but they won’t take care of everything, and sometimes end up smelling worse than the bilge water. An occasional cleaning with a Shop-Vac, using the extensions (such as the crevice wand) can dry your bilge almost completely, pick up grime and dirt, and even suck up most of the wildlife that’s lurking down there. It’ll also help to ward off bilge blister. Yep, in some fiberglass boats it’s possible to get them down there if it’s wet enough long enough. Then you’ve got outside blisters working through to meet inside blisters. This is a union that’s not made in heaven.
Always follow the manufacture’s instructions and warnings when you use any tool. Don’t use a wet/dry vacuum or any other electric tool aboard if there is gasoline or other explosive gasses in the bilge or elsewhere open."