[Phrf] Fwd: NEW C0 Detector Regulations

[Clay Babcock]

Hi All,

Some nice details on the MN CO law (Sophia's Law) from Bill Hooper. I
applies to most if not all of us.

CB




*If you boat in Minnesota - this is for you.*

*Sophia's Law requires that all motorboats, regardless of fuel type, with
enclosed accommodations, be equipped with a functioning marine CO warning
detector system installed according to the manufacture's instructions. All
gasoline-powered motorboats with any enclosed occupancy compartment must
display the three CO warning stickers as directed by law.  These must be
complete by May 1, 2017 for lawful operation.*

*Sophia's Law 86b.532 uses the term motorboat.  M.S. 86b.005 defines
motorboat to include sailboats with attached motors. This includes
sailboats with outboard motors (as long as there is an enclosed cabin). An
enclosed accupancy compartment is defined as having all three of the
following spaces:*

 *   - designated sleeping accommodations*

*    - a galley area with a sink*

*    - a head (toilet) compartment)*



*But alas, there's problems and you should know about them.....*

The State of Minnesota is somewhat premature with completing the law as
they want it written and so they are unable to be totally up and running
with this requirement by May 1st, which is now behind us.  More and more
questions arise regarding the law and so they are still in the process of
writing the final version and that final version might not come out until
closer to the end of the summer.  So, for 2017, law officials on the water
have been instructed to not enforce the law, but merely educate boaters on
the water, but you can be assured that next year they will enforce it
completely and but can't  promise that in some extreme or unusual
circumstance that a warning won't be issues for a second violation this
year.  You can also assume if you do not have the stickers displayed on
your boat, even the the law might not be entierely finalized, it will be a
reason for the authorities to pull you over and that can lead to other
issues.  Of course, if you have all of your ducks in a row, you have
nothing to worry about. * Stickers can be obtained at most marinas, the DNR
and at Hooper's Yachts*.  *But, there's more......*



*CO2 DETECTOR RECALL*

For years, CO2 detectors have been offered and they were to be hard wired
into the boat's DC electrical system.  But, Fireboy-Xintex has introduced a
detector that carries a battery that has an EOL (end of life) of about 7
years.  When it expires, like a flare, you replace it to comply with law.
THE ONLY CO2 DETECTORS ALLOWED OR RECOGNIZED BY THE AUTHORITIES ARE FOR
MARINE PURPOSES ONLY. Unfortunately you cannot go to your local home store
and pick one up for resident use and be in compliance when you use it on a
vessel. It has to do with temperature ranges of the unit and markings
displayed on the unit describing it for marine use. Prior to this writing
detectors were in a recall status because the marking sticker to be
displayed on the unit itself was applied on the wrong side. That is why
they have not been available until now. Dealers and distributors were not
allowed to pull them off and place them on the proper side (where they
could be seen after mounting).  Instead they all had to go back to the
manufacturer and this involved literally thousands of units and a great
deal of time.  Marine stores, including Hooper's Yachts, now have them in
stock with the properly displayed sticker on the unit and we also have
information detailing this law and the stickers that need to be displayed
on the vessel.



*IT'S A MINNESOTA LAW*

It should be notied that this law applies to the State of Minnesota. So all
Minnesota registered vessels with an auxiliary motor (inboard or outboard)
and enclosed cabin must comply with the detector rule.  If you are from
another state and travel into the state of Minnesota to use your boats in
Minnesota waters, then you are required to be in compliance as well.  It is
not a bad idea to install a detector device in your vessel anyway for
safety purposes (after all this is what it is all about), and many
insurance companies request it to appease their wishes.  Who knows, in
time, other states may adopt similar laws soon.



*THE DANGERS OF CARBON MONOXIDE*

CO (carbon monoxide) is a potentially deadly gas produced from carbon-based
fuel, like gasoline, propane, and charcoal. Sources include gasoline
engines, generators, cooking ranges, space and water heaters. Early
symptoms of CO poisoning are irritated eyes, headache, nausea, wekaness and
dizziness which can be confused with sea sickness or intoxication.
Prolonged exposure to a low concentaration or a very short exposure to high
concentration can lead to death which is what tragically happened to 7 year
old Sophia who lost her life on lake Minnetonka in 2015. 30 minutes into
the boat ride, Sophia felt sick and went below to rest.  Others on board
started to feel nauseous as well.  Just 7 minutes after Sophia went below
to rest, her father found her unconsious. CPR was immediately applied but
to no avail.  The source was a leak in the boat's exhaust system.  CO has
no odor and so the symptoms were not recognized until it was too late. It
was the family's mission to prevent a similar tragety in the future and so
they advocated Sophia's Law.

*NEW TO THE MARKETPLACE - A SELF POWERED (MAINTENANCE-FREE LITHIUM BATTERY)
DETECTOR*

There are many marine CO Detectors in compliance for boats available at
your favorite marine store and all but one are to be hard wired into your
12v electrical system. But there is one and only one battery powered CO
Detector in compliance with Minnesota's Sophia Law and that is FIREBOY
ZINTEX CMD5-MB-R CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM. Installation is easy.  No
electrical wiring.  Drill two holes spaced 2-3/8" apart.  install the wal
mount bracket. Snap the CMD5-M into the wall mount bracket and you are in
compliance with Sophia's Law.  An audible alarm sounds at 10% COHb.  It's
good for approximately 7 years.

HOOPER'S YACHTS NOW STOCK THE CMD5-MB-R DETECTORS AS WELL AS THE TYPE THAT
YOU CAN HARD WIRE INTO YOUR BOAT (USUALLY CHEALER).  STOP BY AND GRAB YOURS
OR GIVE US A CALL AT 651-436-8795 <(651)%20436-8795> OR 1-800-377-8795
<(800)%20377-8795> AND WE WILL HAPPILY SHIP THEM DIRECTLY TO YOU.
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