Smoke and CO2 Detectors

Willhound

Looking at purchasing smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors for FV270. Currently none on board when we surveyed the boat . Interestingly, a search on the forum came up zero on smoke detectors. I guess just commons sense that everyone has one?
I was going to go with a combo unit to save some $$$, but thinking about it, I think I'll go separate, that way if one goes off, I can tell which one, and if a unit fails, I can just change the one unit.
Also thinking of a CO2 with digital readout, that way I can monitor to see if anything at all is building up, not just when it triggers.
Good thinking??

Handymans342

I believe that CO not Co2 is what you mean and CO(carbon monoxide) builds up down low thats why they are mounted lower in houses if my memory is correct

Cableguy Greg

On my 280, I have the MTI Industries 65-541-WT surface mount 12VDC hard wired CO detector. You can get them in the hard wired or 9v battery powered. MTI makes them for RV's and boats.

randy56

My boat did not have them either, I purchased it at Lowes. Same as you would for a house. Battrie operated 

rasbury

Not true handy - we were running with full enclosure with the screens open on the back and the sides, slow speed and apparently pulling engine exhaust back in the bat. The kids were in the cabin which the windows were closed and mine went off. Everyone need to have them.

Cableguy Greg

I had the same issue when I was boating in October. I had the glass up and the back was open. I wasn't going very fast and the CO alarm started screaming at me. Every boat should have one, not just genny boats.

Handymans342

You really only need one if you run a genny

Willhound

Handymans342 said:

I believe that CO not Co2 is what you mean and CO(carbon monoxide) builds up down low thats why they are mounted lower in houses if my memory is correct

Heh heh.  You are correct sir! No wonder I failed high school chemistry!

Willhound

Handymans342 said:

You really only need one if you run a genny

True. I wad thinking about a neighboring boat idling or maybe back draft ducking in under the canvas at slow speed. Will do the smoke detector for sure. Thanks guys. 

Dream_Inn

yes, if you are around others with generators, it certainly is a good idea to have it.

Handymans342

Ras. Why Do you use covers in Florida? Come on Man!

Willhound

You know? Even the fancy CO digital readout model is about $39 CDN ( I get a deal), so what...about $10 bucks US? (heh heh....actually heading to FLA Monday, exchange sucks right now)
So for that, I think I'll just throw one in

laureniac1

I would definitely get 2 separate units. One smoke detector and one CO monitor that way you are covered on both ends. Digital read out is nice to have, but ultimately make sure any detector you purchase is UL ( underwriters lad) tested. The digital is of course more money , but any CO & Smoke dectector is good with a UL listing.

rasbury

We bought two detectors, smoke and co at home depot- battery operated, why would you trust them wired in? I'm getting another one for the helm since this last bad experience.

Handymans342

You can get a dual unit I think with a 10 year battery. 

Willhound

Yep. I'm actually in the construction supply business, so very familiar with the units out there. Was interested in what other boaters are doing. I am looking at the 10 year lithium battery options, no hassle with having to remember to change batteries, and it is always recommended that both CO and smoke units be changed out after 10 years anyway as the sensors are not as dependable after that time frame. But on the other hand, the lithium batteries don't keep well in the cold, which it is here 6 months of the year so a regular battery unit makes sense so I can just remove the batteries when the boat is laid up, and separate units as the sensors can sometimes fail, and in a combo unit, have to change out the whole thing.

Handymans342

Or you can just keep a canary on board LOL

J3ff

I have 2.  One in the front and then one attached to the rear wall near where you sleep. 

It is completely false that you only need it if you have a generator.  There are certain areas of the country with weather conditions that can come together to cause problems when OTHER boats are running generators..  We have one island where I am that creates a bowl at low tide... and if people around you are running them on a day with no wind, you're at risk.  Gotta with two because of what was said earlier, gotta have a backup! 

Cableguy Greg

rasbury said:

Not true handy - we were running with full enclosure with the screens open on the back and the sides, slow speed and apparently pulling engine exhaust back in the bat. The kids were in the cabin which the windows were closed and mine went off. Everyone need to have them.

MarkB

You should have a CO detector even if you don't have a genny. If you are cruising at idle or even decide to start up to start your batteries, wind drift can easily fill your cabin with CO. 

Willhound

Thanks once again everyone. Done. Picked up a small smoke and a digital CO detector a few minutes ago. 

reneechris14

Good call be safe.smart man.