Fume Detector

[eastont]

Last summer I had an explosion from excess fumes entering the bilge from a leaky fuel sensor and have decided to install one this spring.

Are there any recommended brands or other recommendations about where to install it or settings etc.

Thanks

 

[rickryder]

Re: Fume Detector

Something like this? http://www.iboats.com/M-1-R-2-Gasol...8637141--**********.773714853--view_id.186875

 

[eastont]

Re: Fume Detector

I am looking for some input as to which are better/worse etc. The Xintex one seems to be the most popular in my searches. And there are 3 choices.
Also, iboats is out of stock on a couple of them, but not on one.....why?

 

[sasto]

Re: Fume Detector

I am looking for some input as to which are better/worse etc. The Xintex one seems to be the most popular in my searches.

I have the Xintex on my gas boat. I really like the thing. I was spray painting something near the engine compartment and the thing went off. After start up she beeps a little from the ehaust fumes, for a second or two. Appears to be sensitive enough to detect even a small amount of flamable liquid.

Good Luck!

 

[eastont]

Re: Fume Detector

Thanks sasto....what model do you have?

 

[sasto]

Re: Fume Detector

Thanks sasto....what model do you have?

Hi eastont...I have an older M-1, it has been on the boat for about 10 years, and gives me some comfort after seeing it work....Good Luck!

 

[nikon]

Re: Fume Detector

http://www.iboats.com/M-1-R-2-Gasol...3446892--**********.631015988--view_id.186875

I've got that one in mine, problem is every year or so the sensor goes bad and constantly sounds the alarm...tends to get splashed with oily water from the bilge, but if you stick the sensor up too high it won't work properly....new sensors are ~$60, so unless you can make a splash gaurd or find a dry spot in your bilge, expect a yearly cost.

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Re: Fume Detector

Are there any recommended brands or other recommendations about where to install it or settings etc.

Thanks

I use a Marine Technologies model SA1. Had it for about 4 years and it's never gone off without a reason.
The sensor's mounted low in the bilge but higher than the 'kick-on' level of the dewatering pump.

 

[eastont]

Re: Fume Detector

FunInDuhSun, I'm guessing that you mean bilge pump when you say dewatering pump...

How are these things affected by water etc.?

It sounds like the only makers of these are Xintex and Marine Technologies.

And I thought that there would be a lot more than 4 people posting there thoughts. I am guessing that not many people have these on their boats.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Fume Detector

I'm seeing them on eBay for $140-$150 (Xintex).

I don't have one...yet, but I will. 2 big blocks move a lot of fuel and with my family on board, I think it's certainly a wise investment. Of course, running the wiring from the engine room to the flybridge is gonna be a joy...

 

[sasto]

Re: Fume Detector

I'm seeing them on eBay for $140-$150 (Xintex).

I don't have one...yet, but I will. 2 big blocks move a lot of fuel and with my family on board, I think it's certainly a wise investment. Of course, running the wiring from the engine room to the flybridge is gonna be a joy...

I don't think you need to wire one to a console or flybridge. My monitor is at the lower helm, but I can hear it easily from the flybridge (this boat is 23'). It comes with an alarm. I don't see why another alarm, or maybe a louder one, can't be mounted elsewhere.

If I were to have installed this system.... I think I would have mounted it in a central location. When I recieved the boat the system was wired directly to a battery. I moved it to the battery switch.


I have never used one before because I delt mostly in diesel, and gas is somewhat new to me. I am quickly learning safety issues with gas here on iboats and I would highly recommend one. I know it works, one little whiff of a flamable substance and she goes off.

Regards, sasto

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Fume Detector

I don't think you need to wire one to a console or flybridge. My monitor is at the lower helm, but I can hear it easily from the flybridge

I don't have a lower helm, but after posting, I thought about mounting it in a central location in the salon. I can hear the CO detectors going off, so I assume i should be able to hear the gas alarm go off.

There are a few different models, a couple of which look a lot like the A/C controller. It might be a little more aesthetically pleasing having the square shape in line with the other controller, but I haven't any clue as to which brand is better.

 

[sasto]

Re: Fume Detector

, but I haven't any clue as to which brand is better.

View attachment 84760View attachment 84761View attachment 84759View attachment 84762

I wish I could help, but I have nothing to comapre mine to. I have the 2nd display.

Maybe eastont has found some info.

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Re: Fume Detector

FunInDuhSun, I'm guessing that you mean bilge pump when you say dewatering pump...

Yes, same thing.

How are these things affected by water etc.?

The sensors do not like immersion. My old one wasn't reliable after it got wet. Lesson learned.

I don't have a lower helm, but after posting, I thought about mounting it in a central location in the salon. I can hear the CO detectors going off, so I assume i should be able to hear the gas alarm go off.

Mine is mounted in the upper helm and I wouldn't want it anywhere else. That flybridge is noisy when underway. Conversely, the horn is literally 2' above the salon so it can be heard loud and clear even if I'm operating from the lower.

There are a few different models, a couple of which look a lot like the A/C controller. It might be a little more aesthetically pleasing having the square shape in line with the other controller, but I haven't any clue as to which brand is better.

The one I have is third from the left (Saf-T-Alert).

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Fume Detector

When I recieved the boat the system was wired directly to a battery. I moved it to the battery switch.

Not to second guess, but with the (although rare) possibility of a battery switch causing a contact spark, wouldn't you want the fume detector hot all the time? Probably wouldn't matter in my boat because

1) Rarely turn the battery switch off due to shore power cords
2) Battery switch is in the salon, not in the bilge

Just wondering...

 

[sasto]

Re: Fume Detector

Not to second guess, but with the (although rare) possibility of a battery switch causing a contact spark, wouldn't you want the fume detector hot all the time? Probably wouldn't matter in my boat because

1) Rarely turn the battery switch off due to shore power cords
2) Battery switch is in the salon, not in the bilge

Just wondering...

I always leave the battery switch on unless I pull her to do some restoring. I can't paint or use solvents with it hooked up. The thing will "beep me crazy". My switch is high and dry too.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Fume Detector

Well, I picked up the Saf-T-Alert (third one in the pics) on line. When it comes in I'll check the decibel level and decide then where to mount it.

 

[sasto]

Re: Fume Detector

Well, I picked up the Saf-T-Alert (third one in the pics) on line. When it comes in I'll check the decibel level and decide then where to mount it.

Good to hear Fireman....so if I hear the thing go off, I'm going to cover my prized possession.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Fume Detector

...so if I hear the thing go off, I'm going to cover my prized possession.

Yea...if it starts screaming, I'm sure nothing good is going to immediately follow...