Safety Information “Station Wagon” Effect & Carbon Monoxide When a boat is moving forward, it will cause a certain vacuum to form behind the boat. In unfortunate cir- cumstances, the suction from this vacuum—called “station wagon” effect—can be so great that the ex- haust gases from the boat are drawn into the cockpit or cabin, causing carbon monoxide poisoning. WARNING! Do not run the engine while there are people located on or near the swim platform and transom. DANGER! DO NOT tow anyone using wa- ter sports equipment (such as skis and in- ner tubes) closer than twenty feet (20’) from the boat.
DO NOT, under any circumstanc- es, allow people to “body surf” using the swim platform as a means of being pulled along. This problem is most prevalent on boats with sheer, broad transoms and high superstructures. In certain conditions, however, this suction can be a problem on other boats (e.g., when running with the cover up). Other factors that can increase the effect of the suc- tion are wind conditions, load distribution, swells, trim, open hatches and portholes, and so on. Travelling at slow or idle speeds may cause carbon monoxide to accumulate in and around the boat, es- pecially if there is a tailwind.
Most modern boats, however, are designed in such a way that this problem is very rare. If suction should arise anyway, open forward hatches or portholes. Try changing speed, trim, or load distribution instead. Try disassembling, opening, or in any other way changing the setup of the cover as well. 7743722 - Downloaded from www.volvopenta.com 13/05/2008 20:17:06 Carbon monoxide accumulation is particularly likely when running the engine while docked. Be sure to minimize the amount of time spent at the dock while the engine is running.
If you suspect that your boat exhibits this “station wag- on” effect, please contact your Volvo Penta dealer for help in achieving the best solution for your boat. NOTE! For your safety, we recommend that you in- stall a good quality carbon monoxide detec- tor aboard your boat, in accordance with ABYC recommended practices. 22770 VPA 7743722 English 10-2004 9