Wellcraft 270 Coastal, Owner'S Manual, Page: 46 / 121

Chapter 8:
VENTILATION SYSTEM
8.1 Cabin Ventilation
Ventilation to the cabin area is provided by a deck hatch
and four port windows.
Deck Hatches
The deck hatches in the cabin and hardtop are
supported in the open position by one or two adjustable
hatch adjusters. They are secured in the closed position
by one or two cam levers on the inside of the hatch. To
open a hatch, rotate the cam lever to the open position.
Raise the hatch and secure it by tightening the hatch
adjusters. To close the hatch, loosen the hatch adjusters
and lower the hatch. Secure in the closed position with
the two cam levers and slide locks.
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. The screen is secured in place by
two or four twist locks. The screen must be removed to
access the cam levers to open or close the hatch.
Port Windows
Opening port windows are located in the main salon and
head compartment. 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, woodwork and cabin
equipment.
8.2 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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