JAXAshby wrote:

I read that one should run blowers to vent the gas tank area before
starting the motor


if you have any electrical equipment (such as a battery) in an enclosed
compartment that contains gasoline you are required under regulations to run
the blower for 5 minutes (?, it might be 4 minutes, who the hell remembers).
Opening it up and sniffing is even better, but doesn't meet regs.



That doesn't explain the hundreds of thousands of outboard boats extant
that have fuel tanks under the deck, aling with batteries and all sorts
of other devices, and no blowers.