Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide

When we think of dangerous emissions like Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) we tend to see it as an issue for automobile emissions, but it’s also a hazard for boaters as well.

Your boat’s engine can emit the same harmful emissions as you automobile and it can pollute a body of water: lake, river or ocean just as automobiles can pollute the air on land. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless toxic gas that causes breathing (respiratory) problems and smog. Carbon Dioxide is  also odorless and colorless, is a major contributor to global warming.

Carbon Monoxide is formed when fuel does not burn completely. Carbon Monoxide has been identified as a deadly hazard on houseboats, especially when people are swimming or floated near the stern while the generator is running.

Ethanol has become an alternative in the automotive industry and is making a push in the boating industry, but it has problems, such as dissolving a boats fiberglass fuel tanks.

Alternative power sources (fuel cells, hydrogen, hybrid engines) have been introduced in the auto industry but only recently discovered by the boating industry.

Just like we leave footprints in the sand, our motive actions leave footprints on the environment.  It’s called a “carbon footprint”, and one of those footprints is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) is emitted by fossil fuels and even sailboats can be implicated.

A carbon footprint is the emission of CO2 from fossil fuels when using or towing a boat.  Any use of a generator or the consumption of food and beverages and the condition of you boat itself can be an environmental and safety issue.

That’s why Investing in high quality protective canvas coverings from CMC Canvas LLC can protect your boat and protect the environment as well.