Scout Boats 221 Winyah, Owner'S Manual

Page: 59 / 150

59
DANGER
VENTILATION SYSTEM
8.1 Carbon Monoxide
and Proper Ventilation
FAILURE TO PROPERLY VENTILATE THE BOAT WHILE THE
ENGINE IS RUNNING MAY PERMIT CARBON MONOXIDE TO
ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE THE OPEN AREAS OF YOUR BOAT.
CARBON MONOXIDE IS A COLORLESS AND ODORLESS GAS
THAT IS LETHAL WHEN INHALED. CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO
PROPERLY VENTILATE THE BOAT AND TO AVOID CARBON
MONOXIDE FROM ACCUMULATING IN THE BOAT WHENEVER
AN ENGINE IS RUNNING.
A by-product of combustion, carbon monoxide
(CO) is invisible, tasteless, odorless, and is pro-
duced by all engines and gas heating and cooking
appliances. The most common sources of CO on
boats are gasoline engines, auxiliary generators
and propane or butane stoves. These produce
large amounts of CO and should never be operated
while sleeping. The hazard also may be created
by a boat nearby whose exhaust fumes are enter -
ing your boat. Boats also have a problem due to
the “station wagon effect” where engine exhaust
fumes are captured in the vacuum or low pres-
sure area, usually the cockpit and helm area, that
can be created by the forward speed of the boat.
Extreme caution must be taken while at anchor
or in a slip when an auxiliary power generator
is operating. Wind still nights can easily allow
exhaust fumes, containing high concentrations of
CO, from the generator on your boat or from an
adjacent boat’s generator to enter the boat. The
exhaust fumes may enter your boat through open
hatches or windows.
A slight buildup of carbon monoxide over several
hours causes headache, nausea and other symp-
toms that are similar to food poisoning, motion
sickness or flu. High concentrations can be fatal
within minutes. Many cases of carbon monoxide
poisoning indicate that while victims are aware
they are not well, they become so disoriented they
Chapter 8:
Back Drafting / Station Wagon
Effect - at cruising speed with
no forward ventilation
Back Drafting / Station Wagon
Effect - at cruising speed with
canvas closed
Slow Speed or Boat Stopped
w/ engines running - CO can
accumulate in cabin, cockpit &
bridge
Desired Air Flow Through the
Boat
Onboard Generator Exhaust -
exhaust accumulates because
of bulkhead.
Nearby Generator Exhaust -
wind carries exhaust to the
other boat
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. The following are symptoms
which may signal exposure to CO: (1) Headache
(2) Tightness of chest or hyperventilation (3)
Flushed face (4) Nausea (5) Drowsiness (6)
Fatigue or Weakness (7) Inattention or confusion
(8) Lack of normal coordination.