Carbon Monixide Risk??

[Jim Wolfgram]

In this mornings SF Chronicle there was an alarming article about recent fatalities associated with CO poisining on Ski boats. I realize that this is an entirely different beast than our sailboats, but wanted to get some thoughts and opinions from the community.We have a 96 C320, Hull 385. The engine is a yanmar 3gm30f Diesel. We just had the exhaust elbows replaced and the entire engine surveyed. The exhaust system is sound and leak free. My understanding is that Diesel engines produce significantly less CO than gas engines. My thinking is that our CO risk from the engine is nill for the following reasons:1. Minimal CO production from the engine.2. The wet exhaust will disolve a good portion of the gases.3. The exhaust point on a C320 is under the portside hull, effectively pushing any residiual gases away from interior spaces. Am I analyzing the situation correctly? thoughts and advice are much appreciated. Regards,

 

[Tim]

CO Detector is Cheap Peace of Mind

While I agree that the risk is relatively low on our diesel powered boats, any source of combustion creates CO (Carbon Monoxide) and in the right circumstances, can be deadly.The source of combustion might not even be your own boat. You could be moored directly downwind from another boat running a poorly tuned generator and never even be aware of the odorless, colorless, tasteless CO building up inside your own cabin. Another possible unintended situation might be a long, downwind passage using the motor - someone going below for a nap just might not wake up! I've heard this refered to as the "stationwagon effect".When we outfitted "April IV", our C350, I researched and purchased a standalone (i.e. 9V powered instead of hardwired) CO detector that was marketed for use on boats and RV's. It looks just like the round "hockey puck" smoke detectors in your house.Don't recall exactly where I purchased it via the Web, a Google on terms like "CO Detector Marine" ought to turn up a source. I paid around $60. I suppose there really wouldn't be anything wrong with buying a residential unit from Home Depot for $25.Cheap Peace of Mind

 

[Jim Wolfgram]

Agreed cheap piece of mind.

I'm going to order up the standalone version now, also add a couple for the house. I didn't realize that you could get 9v ones that didn't need to be hard wired into the boat, that makes the project a non event. Thanks for the lead.