OWNER'S/OPERATOR'S MANUAL - Chaparral Boats Owners Club

Safety precautions are given throughout this manualand labels are mounted on key locations throughoutthe boat.Fire eXTinGuisHinG sYsTeMAny fire on a boat must be considered an immediatethreat to the safety of the vessel and the lives of theoccupants. For this purpose, your boat is equippedwith an automatic fire extinguisher system located inthe engine compartment. In the event of a fire, theheat sensitive automatic head in the engine compartmentwill release a fire-extinguishing vapor,completely flooding the area.An indicator light for the automatic fire extinguishingsystem is located on the dashboard. The light will beON when the ignition is on, and indicates that thesystem is ready. If the light goes out while the ignitionis on, the system has discharged.Immediately shut down all engines, powered ventilationand electrical systems, and extinguish allsmoking materials when discharged.DO NOT IMMEDIATELY OPEN THE ENGINECOMPARTMENT! THIS FEEDS OXYGEN TO THEFIRE AND THE FIRE COULD RESTART.Wait at least fifteen (15) minutes before opening theengine compartment. This permits the fire-extinguishingvapor to “soak” the compartment area longenough for hot metals and fuels to cool. Haveportable extinguishers on hand and ready to use incase the fire re-ignites. Do not breathe fumes orvapors caused by the fire.CarBon MonoXideCarbon monoxide poisoning usually producesheadaches, nausea, dizziness, ringing in the ears,weakness and unconsciousness. There may beabnormal redness or blueness of lips, nailbeds, orskin. A victim’s skin can turn a cherry-red color.Because carbon monoxide gas (CO) is odorless,colorless, and tasteless, it is unlikely to be noticeduntil a person loses consciousness.Dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide willbe present if:• the engine and/or generator exhaust systemsleak;• insufficient fresh air is circulating where peopleare present; and• fumes move from the rear of the boat into thecockpit and cabin area.DANGER: Fumes from engine, generators, andother equipment and appliances using burningfuel contain carbon monoxide.Carbon monoxide can kill you.Open all doors, curtains, windows, and hatchesto let fresh air circulate when running engine,generator, or burning any fuel when boat isanchored, moored, or docked.DANGER: Even in rainy, cold weather, ventilationmust be maintained to avoid carbon monoxidepoisoning. You will get wet and/or cold.DANGER: Sleeping on the boat requires anoperating carbon monoxide detection system ineach sleeping location.Figures 2.1 through 2.3 give examples of boat operatingconditions that can lead to high concentrationsof carbon monoxide gas.2-2