Fume detectors help to keep crews and boats safe.

Fuel vapor detectors monitor hydrocarbons in the air and sound an alarm to warn of a potentially dangerous situation. Detectors consist of two components: a gas sensor and a display. The sensor used by gasoline detectors actually can sense a variety of hydrocarbon fumes, including gasoline, propane, CNG and hydrogen off gassing from batteries. When shopping for a fuel fume detector, look for automatic bilge blower activation, plus an audible and/or a visible alarm. Most propane gas detectors can be wired to a remote solenoid located at a stove’s propane tank that, in the event of a buildup of propane in the boat, will automatically shut off the supply of propane to the stove.