Portible Gen Deaths: 3 on Houseboat Die on Long Island

[Skuza]

Thats too bad no doubt. Up until a few years ago I didn't FULLY understand the dangers of C02. Of course everyone knows about sitting in a running car in a garage is going to be short and sweet. I recall the family staying on the boat during the famed blackout and running the gas genny all night. I was prudent enough at that time to make sure ALL the detectors were on but was still nervous. After reading all the stories over the years I would NEVER chance that one again!
On a related note there was a story of a local woman that just bought a forclosed house that was only a few years old and had C02 issues. Apparently during vacancy some water froze in a part of the furnace and when commissioned it was leaking C02. She luckily plugged in her $30 detector and it alerted her and probably saved her life. I have since bought a detector for my new home and plan to update the one at my parents. As someone said its CHEAP life insurance. I would like to know what the lifespan is of our onboard ones. Will probably buy a home version and install it on the boat just to be safe.
Oh and how about adding a SMOKE detector to boat also. One of the big boat mags just had an article about this oversight buy people and builders alike.

 

[JohnEGraham]

Hey, Skuza. Not for nothing, but its its not "CO2" ( bubbles in Soda) its CO ( monixide) the Killer. JG

 

[electricaldoctor]

OK, I have a question.

My boat has a CO detector. How do I know it is functioning properly? Is there a way to test it?

I don't know what you have, but my 2 units have a test button on them.

 

[Daddubo]

I don't know what you have, but my 2 units have a test button on them.

I think the test button is for testing the battery only.

 

[bmac]

I think the test button is for testing the battery only.

Hmmmm...mine are hardwired. I'll have to read the manual to see what that button is really testing on my units.

 

[Daddubo]

Hmmmm...mine are hardwired. I'll have to read the manual to see what that button is really testing on my units.

My smoke detector at home is hard wired and when I push the button the alarm goes off but that dose not tell me if it is working just that the alarm works but my wife tests it for smoke regularly she thinks it is a timer:smt043

 

[Oar Play]

This explains why I get the heebie jeebies when diving under the boat near the props.

Never would have thought, when I started reading this, I would end up laughing so hard! ouch! I think I pulled a muscle.

 

[parkerboatman]

When I first got my Boat I had the idea of a portable Gen. Then I started reading on here and reconsidered the idea. uNow after reading this story I am again so grateful for this forum and everyone that posts advice here.

 

[jpk33]

CO is only slightly lighter than air at standard temp/pressure (68*F 14.7 psi or 1 atm +/-). Its how its generated (combustion engines) that it gets it's "lighter than air" reputation. However, when discharged through underwater exhaust it gets cooled and again is only slighter than air and is VERY EASILY moved by wind currents into the cockpit/open cabin door/hatches and is quickly dangerous/deadly (its odorless/colorless/tasteless). This CO will rapidily build up to hazardous levels. OSHA limits CO exposure to 50ppm per 8 hrs (35ppm per NIOSH). Levels of 1500ppm + are rapidily fatal and MAY HAVE NO SYMPTOMS. As a note, canned CO gas in low concentrations is available from safety supply houses but is very $$$.

 

[electricaldoctor]

I think the test button is for testing the battery only.

OK, thanx for pointing that out to me. Now I will have to go and bag me some of that nasty suff and check those ole puppies out. :smt101

 

[Skuza]

Hey, Skuza. Not for nothing, but its its not "CO2" ( bubbles in Soda) its CO ( monixide) the Killer. JG

WHOOPS!
Today was one of those days guys!