Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

[Bill Jenks]

I am thinking about installing both a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector in the engine space on my 2000 C34.  If I am motoring and I have an exhaust leak or a fire I would like an earlier warning than smoke billowing out somewhere.  Has anybody tried this?  Does anybody sees any problems with the idea.

Thanks in advance.

[Mike Smith]

Bill -

We had a good discussion of the dangers of CO last fall (Find: Carbon Monoxide and Find: Delivery Skipper)). I would put the detectors throughout your boat, just as you do in your house, not just in the engine compartment. Here is a USCG link on the subject:

http://www.uscgboating.org/co/accumulate.htm

Mike

Mike and Jan Smith
S/V Breezer WCX8545
www.mikejansmith.com

[Bill Jenks]

Thanks Mike

I already have both a smoke and a carbon monoxide detector in the main cabin.  My main concern is will I get false alarms if I put decectors in the confined engine space due to high temperatures and humidity?

[Jim Price]

I have CO detector in aft cabin.  Actually sitting on the counter top.  Close to engine but not in housing.

[Stu Jackson]

Smoke and Stuff

Bill

I personally feel that may be overkill.  A search (FIND) on exhaust risers gets a lot of information, one of them includes:  http://c34.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=329609511&f=829605811&m=920604333&r=419605843#419605843

My story in a recent Mainsheet in the Tech Notes describes my experiences with the "belching smoke demon."  When the nipple on the riser goes, you KNOW it immediately!  :)

I'm just not sure whether adding more smoke detectors is going to get you any more information than you already have.

Stu

[Ted Pounds]

Bill,

You don't want the CO detector in you engine compartment.  You want it where the people are.  You're engine is less likely to put out CO than a gas appliance like a stove/oven or heater(if you have one).   If you put it in the engine compartement it won't detect CO from the other sources that might be a hazard to folks in the cabin.

Ted

[Roc]

I installed an MTS CO detector in the Aft cabin.  I've seen this unit installed in many boats at the boat shows.  I put it there because it is in the vicinity of the engine. I also have a smoke alarm, purchased at Home Depot, that I velcro'ed to the ceiling of the V-Berth, which is where we sleep.  

Roc-