Boating Tips: The Difference Between Cavitation and Ventilation

Do you know the difference between cavitation and ventilation? They aren't the same thing, and people often mistake one for the other. Join boats.com Senior Editor Lenny Rudow as he explains what these issues are, why the occur, and how they affect your boat and especially its propeller.
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[@rossr100]

Thanks, good advice.

[@lnboatclub3802]

Nicely explained.

[@Easyville64]

Cavitation is the formation of vapour bubbles - not "air" or "vacuum" bubbles. The water "boils" in a low pressure area and forms the vapour bubbles.
It then collapses "violently" in a higher pressure area and if it collapses near a surface it can erode that surface.

[@mrbwh]

Steam bubbles not air.

[@pavilreutov1821]

My question is will it cavitation if the boat is overpowered or does it just bend out the prop?

[@kristiansolum5815]

can ventilation appear due to barnacle groth under boat?

[@tomtrenter3208]

Cavitation is steam, not air, not vapor or vacuum and is caused by low pressure on the leading edge of the prop tips.

[@Danidasanic]

that's not exactly the best example , you can over-revving the engine by using a prop too small

[@davidjohnston7512]

Mate you are wrong!! Cavitation is the formation of vacuum bubbles,that is the bubbles are negative pressure.Air bubbles are positive pressure.

[@mmb811]

I guess you mean aeration not ventilation

[@acjlh]

2 unskippable 2 minute adds? Seriously?