Owner`s manual

2870 OFFSHORE
Always make sure the Cabin DC Breaker Panel and the carbon monoxide detector are activated
by the battery selector switch whenever the cabin is occupied.
A by product of combustion, carbon monoxide (CO) is invisible, tasteless, odorless, and is
produced by all engines and most heating and cooking appliances. It exists wherever fuels are
burned to generate power or heat. The most common sources of CO on boats are gasoline engines
and auxiliary generators and propane or butane stoves. These produce large amounts of CO and
should never be operated while sleeping. Also be aware that, in some situations, CO from a
generator or an engine being operated in nearby boats can enter your boat and present a hazard for
you and your passengers. High concentrations of CO can fatal within minutes. Many cases of
carbon monoxide poisoning indicate that while victims are aware they are not well, they become
so disoriented they are unable to save themselves by either exiting the area or calling for help. Also,
young children, elderly persons, and pets may be the first affected.
Drug or alcohol use increases the effect of CO exposure. Individuals with cardiac or respiratory
conditions are very susceptible to the dangers of carbon monoxide. CO poisoning is especially
dangerous during sleep when victims are unaware of any side effects.
Low levels of carbon monoxide over an extended period of time can be just as lethal as high doses
over a short period. Therefore, low levels of carbon monoxide can cause the alarm to sound before
the occupants of the boat notice any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. CO detectors are
very reliable and rarely sound false alarms. If the alarm sounds, always assume the hazard is real
and move persons who have been exposed to carbon monoxide into fresh air immediately. Never
disable the CO detector because you think the alarm may be false. Always contact the detector
manufacturer or your local fire department for assistance in finding and correcting the situation.
In certain situations, boats can have a problem due to the “station wagon effect” where engine
exhaust fumes are captured in the vessel by the vacuum created by a rear opening or installed canvas
while underway. Boats that are underway should close all aft portholes and open a forward facing
hatch which may lend to pressurize the living spaces within the boat. Sleeping, particularly in aft
cabins, should not be permitted while underway. Occupants of the “bridge” also should maintain
proper ventilation by opening a forward window or windshield to drive fumes away from the
occupants. Extreme caution must be taken while at anchor or in a slip and an auxiliary power
generator operating. Wind still nights can easily allow fumes to enter the boat. Inspect the exhaust
systems of propulsion and the auxiliary generators, if installed, frequently for possible leaks. High
concentrations of CO in your boat may originate from an adjacent boat. Exhaust fumes from nearby
boats may enter your boat through open hatches or windows.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are dizziness, ears ringing, headaches, tightness of chest
or hyperventilation, drowsiness, fatigue or weakness, inattention or confusion, lack of normal
coordination, nausea and unconsciousness. The victim's skin also may turn red. A slight buildup
of carbon monoxide in the human body over several hours causes headache, nausea and other
symptoms similar to food poisoning, motion sickness or the flu. Anyone with these symptoms
should immediately be moved to an area of fresh air. Have the victim breath deeply and seek
immediate medical attention.
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