Welcraft 232 Coastal, Owner'S Manual

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Chapter 6:
VENTILATION SYSTEM
6.1 Cabin Ventilation
Ventilation to the cabin area is provided by a deck hatch
only on the 232 Coastal. The 252 Coastal has port
windows as well as the deck hatch.
Deck Hatch
The deck hatch in the cabin is supported in the open
position by an adjustable hatch adjuster. It is secured in
the closed position by cam levers on the inside of the
hatch. To open the hatch, rotate the cam levers to the
open position. Raise the hatch and secure it by
tightening the hatch adjuster. To close the hatch, loosen
the hatch adjuster and lower the hatch. Secure in the
closed position with the cam levers.
The cam levers can secure the hatch in two positions,
the vent position or fully closed. The hatch is secured in
the vent position by opening hatch slightly until the cam
levers align with the notch in the hatch frame just above
the fully closed, watertight position. With the cam levers
secured in this position, the hatch will be open just
enough to let air circulate into the cabin. Always secure
the hatch in the water tight position when leaving the
boat unattended or when running offshore.
When the hatch is open, a removable screen can be
installed in the hatch trim ring to prevent insects from
entering the cabin.
Port Windows
Opening port windows are located in the cabin. Each
window opens to provide ventilation into the cabin area
and is equipped with a removable screen.
The windows are secured by adjustable cam levers. The
cam levers should be adjusted so they are tight enough
to seal the windows in the closed position, but not so
tight that the window becomes difficult to secure.
Always make sure the windows are closed and secured
with the cam levers whenever the boat is underway. Sea
spray could enter the cabin through an open window and
damage upholstery, and cabin equipment.
6.2 Carbon Monoxide and Proper
Ventilation
A by-product of combustion, carbon monoxide (CO)
is invisible, tasteless, odorless, and is produced by
all engines and gas heating and cooking appliances.
The most common sources of CO on boats are
gasoline and diesel 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 entering your
boat. Boats also have a problem due to the “station
wagon effect” where engine exhaust fumes are
captured in 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 underway should close all aft facing hatches
and doors. The forward facing deck hatches should
be open whenever possible to help pressurize the
living spaces of the boat. No sleeping in the cabin
should be permitted while underway. Proper
ventilation should be maintained on the bridge deck
by opening windshield or forward clear connector
vents, as far as possible to help pressurize the
cockpit area. 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 running.
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. Wind still nights can easily allow exhaust
fumes, containing high concentrations of CO, from
an adjacent boat's generator to enter the boat. The
exhaust fumes may enter your boat through open
hatches or windows. A carbon monoxide detector
has been installed in your cabin as standard
equipment. While a CO detector enhances your
protection from CO poisoning, it does not guarantee
it will not occur.
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