Station Wagon" Effect & Carbon Monoxide - Volvo Penta 3.0GLP-C Owner's Manual

"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.
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.
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.
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.
VPA 7743722 English 10-2004
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.
Travelling at slow or idle speeds may cause carbon
monoxide to accumulate in and around the boat, es-
pecially if there is a tailwind.
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.
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.
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Safety Information
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