Another low CO gasoline generator available
 

About a year ago I posted an item about a new gasoline generator
built by Westerbeke. The "low CO" generator produced reduced CO
emmissions by about 99%, when compared to the CO emitted by most
generators. (I've still got the "damn spammer"! scars to remind me of
the event). :-)

For the benefit of anybody interested, Kohler is announcing two new
gasoline generators using similar technology and also claiming that EPA
emmission tests and Kohler's own test show a reduction in CO emmissions
by 99%. There is apparently a 5kw as well as a 7.3kw model, available
(5ECD and 7.3ECD. Look for these units to be standard equipment on
several makes of 2006 model boats.

This looks like the wave of the future, and about time. This should cut
down on the number of CO poisonings each year, but let's hope people
don't become complacent or think the problem has been solved. 1% of the
CO produced by a traditional gasoline generator is still a lot more
than you would want to breathe, given the option, and is still a health
risk.

I use a little Honda generator on Yo Ho sometimes, but when it is being
used, it always is at the rear of the cockpit, just forward of the
transom. I have it braced so that it cannot move when it is back there.
It's mainly there to run a household appliance or two (coffee maker,
blender) that I might bring aboard, or to make sure I can keep the
battery running the refrigerator fully juiced. The refrigerator actually
makes ICE in trays. I use bottled water for that.

Good post Chuck, no need for apologies unless you are selling them from
your back porch :-)

Harry, if you use the boat mostly for day trips or occassional
overnights there is an even better option that emits no CO, no noise,
and costs less. Four golf cart batteries at Sam's club for about $50
each, a 1500 watt inverter from Walmart or Costco for less than $150, a
few connecting cables and you're on the air. It's very important to
recharge the batteries ASAP, and of course, forget about the air
conditioner. Small appliances and a small fridge however are good for
two days or more.

don't forget that the other guy's NON safe CO genset can kill you. not
usually a problem at a mooring, unless rafted together. but a seawall
can cause another boat's genset exhaust to drift into yours.

for this reason it's wise to have a CO detector.

ed

marine engine digest