Generator on swim platform.

[agallant80]

Ok folks. I don't want to insight a riot here but lets talk about a portable generator on the swim platform. I bought one and it works well. I am a bit wearr of sleaping with it on but here are my thoughts.

1. The boat points in to the wind, the generator exhause is pointing twards the back of the boat therefor the wind takes the C02 away.
2. I have two C02 dectors on boars, One that came with the boat and a 2nd one I bought at Home Depot. Both are in the cabin.
3. I have the generatir on the platform in such a way where it can not fall off. (its secured with a cable and a lock)

Thoughts on this. I don't see how it would be any worse then sleeping with a built in generator running. Am I crazy for considering this?

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

It is CO (Carbon Monoxide) not CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) that you are worried about.

A built in Genny exhausts under water. CO is highly water soluble so much less of it will make it into your breathable air.
The platform genny is going to be louder, any neighbors to complain?

Beyond that, you will not be the first person to survive the night with a portable on a swim platform. :joyous:

 

[The Great Escape II]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

It is CO (Carbon Monoxide) not CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) that you are worried about.

A built in Genny exhausts under water. CO is highly water soluble so much less of it will make it into your breathable air.
The platform genny is going to be louder, any neighbors to complain?

Beyond that, you will not be the first person to survive the night with a portable on a swim platform. :joyous:

Not all boats discharge genset exhaust under water, most do not.

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

I wouldn't be able to sleep with a generator running on any part of my boat. And CO is a silent killer. I just wouldn't do it.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

I wouldn't be able to sleep with a generator running on any part of my boat. And CO is a silent killer. I just wouldn't do it.

Thats what I am worried about but with generator on back of boat, boat points in to the wind, two C0 detectors I am thinking I would be safe but I would still have an issue doing it. I just want to make sure I won't die if I fall asleap.

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

I just want to make sure I won't die if I fall asleap.

What about when the wind dies down, and both CO detectors fail? I've had my share of dead CO detectors. You can't be sure of that. Period.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

Go for it. Just run the generator in the morning to charge the batteries back up. No A/C, but a good fan should be adequate.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

Perhaps you could weld some exhaust line to get it discharged under water? I don't know how feasible that is, but it's worth a look.

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

Go for it. Just run the generator in the morning to charge the batteries back up. No A/C, but a good fan should be adequate.

Shoot, they make 12 volt ceiling fans. If you have a dual-battery setup, you should be able to run a ceiling fan all night without worry.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Generator on swim platform.

sometimes exhaust fumes build up on swim platforms even while the boat is underway; it's like an air pocket back there.

And for me, I wouldn't carry or use that equipment over salt water; isn't fresh a risk as well?

I agree you can't count on wind. It always dies at sunrise and sunset. A light wind and opposite current might have your hull facing downwind.

Enjoy the sounds of nature--that's why you're there.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

1. The boat points in to the wind, the generator exhause is pointing twards the back of the boat therefor the wind takes the C02 away.

That is a thought you want to be completely out of your head. It sometimes works like that, but it could be just as likely to go directly upwind right into your cabin. For safety sake, you can assume it NEVER works like that.

Google 'station wagon effect' to read more than you ever want about it...

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

Most Gennys do exhaust into the air, and usually near the water, is that any more dangerous that on the swim platform? I don't think so.
Maybe you can make a portable pipe to put the exhaust a few feet above the boat, that way it won't be near the boat. It will look a little a semi on the water. LOL

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

Built in gennies don't necessarily exhaust under water (most don't) but they do have water in the exhaust since it is the cooling properties of the genset. I personally don't think that there is that much of a dispursement issue with the CO and the water as I think it's a matter of convenience on the part of the genset manufacturer. The reason they don't have them exhausting underwater is because if the genset is not running while underway, water will be forced back into the unit and there's a possibility of hydrolock.

I see quite a few people that have generators running on their swim platforms at night (the smaller, low decibel variety) and I have to assume they have taken proper precautions on the CO detectors (12 v hard wired with battery back-up). I have also been involved in removing a body from a boat that didn't take the proper precautions. Personally, I'd look into 12v fans for the cabin and use the genie in the morning to charge your batteries if necessary.

Whichever you decide, please make sure your diligence is on safety more than the idea of power.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

also keep n mind that heat rises and water cooled exhaust is less likely to find a way into the boat..... Personally, there's no way I'd sleep with an air cooled genny within 10 feet of the vehicle I'm in..... Your own personal choice as to whether you feel that your safeguards are adequate and your risk is acceptable.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

What does the manufacture say?

The idea doesn't sound like one that would be designed to work well but I have never done it.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

If the CO is carried away from your boat, there may be risk to anyone close downwind of you.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

That is a thought you want to be completely out of your head. It sometimes works like that, but it could be just as likely to go directly upwind right into your cabin. For safety sake, you can assume it NEVER works like that.

Google 'station wagon effect' to read more than you ever want about it...

^^^+1 Even under way, heading into the wind at a good clip, I've seen flags on the back of boats pointing towards the cabin. Not worth the risk. IMHO...

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

I just want to make sure I won't die if I fall asleap.

To be sure of that I would not even try it. On the bright side, You will never know untill you are looking down saying "what a dumb @$$"

LK

 

[tazrig]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

On the bright side, You will never know untill you are looking down saying "what a dumb @$$"

LK

Thats assuming he was a nice guy:laugh:

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Generator on swim platform.

or get some canaries....

or anchor it off in its own dinghy with an extension cord....