Generator on swim platform.

[frantically relaxing]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

Lets see-- if the generator is running, that means you can run 110v CO detectors WITH BATTERY BACKUPS... the chances of BOTH detectors going bad are about the same as getting hit by lightning a dozen times in a week. If that happens, you were meant to die.

Our SkipperLiner has a genny between the engines. It has a wet exhaust that exits under the swim platform, ABOVE the water. I also have a bunch of test results paperwork that came with the boat concerning the genny and it's installation, and it was deemed safe. Which is to say it's no more likely to kill someone than any other. We DO NOT run the genny when anyone is swimming around the boat. Our bedroom is in back, with a C0 detector on the wall, next to the light switch. If we run the genny with the back door open and little breeze, the C0 detector will go off (100ppm) in about 20 minutes.

With the doors and windows closed, I've never seen more than 20ppm on the detector no matter how long it runs. Closed up goes a long way in keeping C0 out...

Our Party Cruiser also has a genny, it's an Onan 4kw, identical to those mounted in RV's, no water anything. It's housed in it's own inside box with it's own fuel tank and blower, and vented access door. It gets it cooling air from a vent cut in the floor beneath it...

This factory setup is no better or worse than a diving deck setup. We've run it on the water for long periods with no C0 issues. However, one day at the dock when it was parked next to the SkipperLiner, I was running the genny and it set off the C0 alarms in both boats within a few minutes. It was hot and not a stick of breeze that day, and all the doors and windows were open.

That all said all said, in my experiences, C0 levels while running a genny is a crapshoot. You need C0 detectors with digital readouts, then you can see exactly what's going on, do some tests before you try sleeping with a running genny...

 

[sasto]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

I'm with Fireman, the Relaxing Dude and others. I've seen many, I mean many, a charger on the swimplatform of a boat running. For days. Especially sailboaters at anchorage. Never heard of a problem. I've seen inboard marine generators that have an exhaust outlet...in the stern...under the swimplatform.......have more problems with CO collecting. As one that dives almost daily, I use a Brownie Third Lung. I fire up the gas engine and hook an airline to the direct drive compressor....inches away. Sounds pretty stupid to me, but it works! I wouldn't worry much. Always keep one eye open at anchorage anyway. There is not much need to run that thing all the time anyway. Sometimes out of courtesy to others, and sometimes to conserve energy... sasto doesn't mean SomeAreSaferThanOthers. Sicker is what they gave me. Good Luck and keep the dirty side down!!!

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

I'm with Fireman, the Relaxing Dude and others. I've seen many, I mean many, a charger on the swimplatform of a boat running. For days. Especially sailboaters at anchorage. Never heard of a problem. I've seen inboard marine generators that have an exhaust outlet...in the stern...under the swimplatform.......have more problems with CO collecting. As one that dives almost daily, I use a Brownie Third Lung. I fire up the gas engine and hook an airline to the direct drive compressor....inches away. Sounds pretty stupid to me, but it works! I wouldn't worry much. Always keep one eye open at anchorage anyway. There is not much need to run that thing all the time anyway. Sometimes out of courtesy to others, and sometimes to conserve energy... sasto doesn't mean SomeAreSaferThanOthers. Sicker is what they gave me. Good Luck and keep the dirty side down!!!

Greatness sasto! IMHO two co2 alarms should keep you safe. on the otherside a 12v fan and open windows & hatches should be fine overnight. There are plenty of folks running a small quite (Honda) genny on a swim platform tied with a bungee cord overnite without problems.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

This is just like those 'can I overload my tow vehicle for short distance towing?' questions. Agallant asked the question because he knows there's a risk. So, it boils down to what your risk tolerance is. Anyone can and will do whatever he wants.

As for me, doesn't matter whether the genny is portable, permanent, marine rated or not. There would never be a CO source operating while I SLEEP. No way, no how.

My .02

 

[aerobat]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

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.

when you are such a lucky guy you will die whatever you do. when no generator a monster wave on a calm day will kill you or the boat will explode because suddenly at night the gas tank fails and simulatany the battery goes on short wiring producing plenty of sparks.

btw - i do not know a small portable generator that has enough tank capacity to run all night.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

when you are such a lucky guy you will die whatever you do. when no generator a monster wave on a calm day will kill you or the boat will explode because suddenly at night the gas tank fails and simulatany the battery goes on short wiring producing plenty of sparks.

btw - i do not know a small portable generator that has enough tank capacity to run all night.

Most inverter based generators can run 8+ hours if you have very low load. They throttle themselves back based on demand, and for minimal load, they are idling. Also, they have add-on tanks that look like outboard motor gas tanks with a tube that connects to the main generator tank.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

I think its interesting to see both sides of it. If anyting I am going to get a 3rd C) detector just to make me feel better. As for sleeping with it on I am not sure if I am ready for that yet, though there are good arguments made for both ways. If I get hot in the middle of the night then I can just crank it over for a bit and cool down the cabin a bit.

 

[Aquaman-PSD]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

First off guys this is CO not mustard gas. Yes it is a definite threat but it doesn't kill you the minute you or someone down wind of you gets any exposure. That being said CO does settle which is why CO detectors should be placed pretty low. I wouldn't have a problem with it as long as there was a fan running in the cabin at all times. Also I think it was mentioned that you could buy a small piece of flex pipe and run it below the side of the boat. If you discharge CO at the water line very little will rise up and make it into the boat because CO is heavier than Nitrogen which is mainly what our air is comprised of. Atleast this is the way I understand it to be and if I am way off then I'm sure someone or everyone will point that out

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

HOT exhaust is definitely not heavier than ambient temp air... most of the exhaust is also nitrogen

 

[gm280]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

Just get a hydrogen powered gen and forget all these problems...

 

[Monsterbishi]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

What is the generator being used for while you sleep? Can't you shut it off well before sleepy time?

The best answer so far is to duct the exhaust out of the boat down to water level, will be quieter too.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Generator on swim platform.

What is the generator being used for while you sleep? Can't you shut it off well before sleepy time?

The best answer so far is to duct the exhaust out of the boat down to water level, will be quieter too.

Really hot North Carolina nights