See full version: CO and Fume Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) needs special mention. It can overcome a person quickly it can be fatal in just minutes-see the chart below. The most prevalent source of CO is exhaust from gasoline engines and generators. These fumes reach boaters from leaks in the exhaust system, fumes sucked back into the boat, or from other boats. There are many, many ways CO can find its way aboard. [links]
What you get for your boat depends on your boat, its systems, its layouts and many other factors. And even if you feel entirely confident of your boat (and you shouldn't) keep in mind that other boats in the marina or at the anchorage may be emitting, for example, CO, which is entering your boat through its vents or ports. here
On a typical enclosed boat you should have detectors and associated alarms that alert you to the presence of CO, fumes (including fuel, solvents gasses and others) and smoke. This normally means that you need more than one type of detector. You may even need more than one of the same type of detector. For example, a smoke detector in an airtight engine space won't help you with a galley fire. A CO detector in that engine space may not help you if CO is wafting through an open porthole into your living accommodations. Depending on your boat and the issues it can present, you should be sure you're covered. This may sound like just another pitch to spend more money than we have, but it's not. Deaths occur regularly on boats because of lack of adequate detectors. more
Having one or more sources of fuel on board presents a potential danger, especially if you are unaware of leaks or vapor accumulation. Fuel can include gas, diesel and gas burning appliances for cooking or heating. Other fumes from other sources can also result in dangerous situations. There can even be danger from boats other than the one you're on.
Many boaters have some serious misconceptions about fuel fumes in the bilge or engine compartment. One is that the engine blower will eliminate dangerous fuel vapors prior to starting a gasoline engine. In fact, any sort of fuel leak can create new fumes as quickly as the blower fan can clear them out, so the risk of explosion is always present, whether the blower is running or not. And although diesel vapors are not explosive absent certain other circumstances, high concentrations can make you sick. Atomized diesel fuel, as can come from an injector or, to a certain extent, from a high pressure leak, can be highly flammable or even explosive. The potential for any fuel or other dangerous vapor in any part of your boat presents a risk serious enough to warrant the investment in appropriate fume detectors. Also, it's critical to be able to detect the presence of fire or smoldering.
Since carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, the installation of CO detectors aboard all recreational boats is recommended. The American Boat and Yacht Council now requires all new boats with gasoline inboards or generators to have a CO detector installed. Be sure to use a carbon monoxide detector designed for marine use. These are calibrated at a significantly different standard than household detectors. ABYC (standard A-24) recommends that CO detectors have a “replace by” date on them in the form of MM/YYYY OR “replace by XX months after retail sale” as determined by the manufacturer. Most newer CO detectors last 10 years and give an audible signal when it’s time to replace them, but check the specifics for your particular model. [links]
Provides protection against gas/propane spills or leaks. The remote sensor can help prevent accidents in the bilge/engine compartment during and after fueling. A sensor can be installed in the galley or LP tank locker to protect against propane leaks. Dual signalling alarms features an audible sound alarm and a visual warning light. Designed exclusively for marine use and to survive in harsh marine environments. Features a smart sensor that helps detect the build up of explosive gases. The On/Off/Test button allows for one touch analysis of detector performance.
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Carbon monoxide (CO), a dangerous byproduct of combustion, must be guarded against in the living spaces of your boat just as in your home. Your boat should also be equipped with a quality smoke detector in all sleeping areas. For complete protection, you should consider investing in a heat detector, a gasoline fume detector and an alarm to warn of leaking propane if you use propane. All of these same considerations also hold true if you have an RV.
Our selection of boat gas detection equipment includes a full lineup of marine CO detectors and other marine gas detection systems from top names such as Safe-T-Alert and Xintex. Be sure to also check out the Safe-T-Alert RV Carbon Monoxide & Propane Gas Alarm.
Designed for the harsh marine environment. Provides protection against accidents caused by Gas/Propane spills or leaks. Dual signaling sounds an alarm and activates warning light. Fumes Detected: Gasoline, hydrogen from batteries, propane, alcohol, acetone, CNG and other explosive vapors. Fire alarm trigger: 180° thermal switch.
Size: 3-1/4 in. x 2-3/4 in. x 3/4 in.
Fisheries offers discounted pro pricing, real-time inventory and same-day shipping -- as well as our solid customer service reps.
Traveling at slow speeds or idling in the water can cause CO to build up in a boat’s cabin, cockpit, bridge, and aft deck, or in an open area. Wind from the aft section of the boat can increase this buildup of CO. more
Gasoline-powered engines on boats, including onboard generators, produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that can poison or kill someone who breathes too much of it.
Install and maintain a working CO detector listed by Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) as appropriate for marine use inside the boat. [links]
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause death. CO poisoning can also cause you to pass out and fall into the water and drown. A person who is sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms.