Owner`s manual

C 230

CO POISONING PRODUCES FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS: WATERY AND ITCHY EYES, HEADACHES

AND FATIGUE. YOU CAN’T SEE IT AND YOU CAN’T SMELL IT. IT’S AN INVISIBLE KILLER.

The following are symptoms which may signal exposure to CO: dizziness, flushed face, 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 build-

up 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. To learn

more about CO poisoning, contact your local health authorities.

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 or low

pressure area, usually the cockpit, bridge deck

and cabin, that can be created by the forward

speed of the boat. Boats that are underway should

close all aft facing portholes, hatches and doors.

The forward facing deck hatches should be open

whenever possible to help pressurize the living

spaces of the boat. Sleeping, particularly in aft

cabins, should not be permitted while underway.

Proper ventilation should be maintained on the

bridge deck by opening a forward window or

windshield to drive fumes away from the occu-

pants. The canvas drop or aft curtain must be

removed and the side curtains should be opened

or removed to increase air flow and maintain

proper ventilation whenever the engines are run-

ning.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE ENGINES BE OPERATING WITH SIDE CURTAINS

CLOSED AND THE AFT OR DROP CURTAIN INSTALLED.

Extreme caution must be taken while at anchor or in a slip and an auxiliary power generator is 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.

FAILURE TO PROPERLY VENTILATE THE BOAT WHILE THE ENGINES ARE RUNNING MAY

PERMIT CARBON MONOXIDE TO ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE CABIN. CARE MUST BE

TAKEN TO PROPERLY VENTILATE THE BOAT AND TO AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE FROM

ACCUMULATING IN THE BOAT WHENEVER AN ENGINE IS RUNNING.

Please read the book entitled, "Sportfish, Cruisers, Yachts - Owner's Manual" included with this manual for

additional information regarding the hazards and symptoms of carbon monoxide gas and carbon monoxide