Carbon Monoxide Detector

[bayareadave]

After motoring for a couple of hours recently, I heard a beeping from the cabin and found that my carbon monoxide (CO) detector had gone off. I installed the detector as a general precaution, but did not expect the engine to set it off because I never smelled any exhaust fumes. No one was down below, but if they were they could have become sick, or worst (remember Vitas Gerulaitis?).

If CO detectors are not required on boats, they should be. Fuel stoves and heaters would be another dangerous producer in the enclosed space of the cabin. Also, the gas can drift in when running down wind through an open hatch.

I found my detector at a super mart after shopping around. It was $28 on sale. It is powered by a 9V battery I replace once or twice a year. Installation consisted of putting one screw into the wood bulkhead and hanging it up.