Diesel exhaust Fumes in the cockpit

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Jan 27, 2012
65
Catalina 30 Vashon
When motoring with the wind coming aft( light or strong makes no matter) I get strong diesel fumes in the cock pit-- strong headache inducing fumes. I have a dodger and only when I roll up the center flap and let air flow straight through does it abate.

I assume the flow of wind up and over the dodger is causing a vacuum to suck exhaust over the transom. Is this a common problem? Is there a fix ( leaving the dodger open is fine in the summer, but what is the point in the winter)? I am consider installing a "lip" on the transom to see if that breaks it.

Thoughts? How have you solved this?
 
Jan 4, 2006
7,318
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
I have exactly the same thing on our boat but occasionally get it while motoring against the wind as well.

You are correct in that the dodger creates a partial vacuum and pulls the exhaust into the cockpit. Same as yourself in that I open the centre flap to break the vacuum when it gets too noticeable.
 
Jun 29, 2011
142
Catalina 30 Mk II Gibsons
X2 on that, I agree with Ralph, open the front Dodger flap and breathe easy
 
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