gas alarm

[Gerry]

We want to put an alarm in our 40foot sailing boat.All advice welcome on best model, one or two sensors and where to install sensors!Have only seen Pilot and Plastimo so far, are there any others or better models about? Thanks.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Calluna]

Last year we fitted the canary gas detector on our 28ft boat, which is £85 from www.yachtbits.co.uk. There are 2 sensors, one in the bilge below the cooker and the other in the engine bilge, underneath the gas cabin heater. It seems to work well and is really easy to fit. So far there have been no false alarms and we have set it off once, when someone forgot to turn the gas off and then knocked the cooker controls so gas ended up in the bilge.

Heather

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[gtmoore]

Yes - I have one of the Canary ones but the single sensor version - excellent and seems very reliable so far.

<hr width=100% size=1>Gavin

 

[davidwf]

I fitted a Haztec gas alarm on my last boat, very well made gave no false alarms and actually looked reasonable. Have a look at www.seath-haztec.com



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Goldie]

"Sailing Today" did a comparison test in issue no 25 (May 99).Models tested were by Vetus, Pilot (Mini & Dual) and the SF212 &213 from SF Detection which were winner by miles. I have had experiences of Pilot Mini and Pilot Dual on 2 different boats and found both very temperamental - maybe I was unlucky. Due to inconsistent fault indications on my Pilot Dual I returned the detector heads to the manufacturers during the winter requesting that they be checked for serviceability. Despite several attempts at contact, I have yet to get them back or even acknowledged. In the end, I gave up and fitted an SF213 which is the twin sensor model. Cost me about £120 and much easier to install. No false alarms yet - and it does work, I powered it up and exposed the head to an unlit gas lighter (before taking it to the boat!!!). SF detection can be contacted on 01202 665330. They have a website too. Should you wish to fit a Pilot Dual and can get some detector heads, I have a control unit going ()cheap!!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Goldie]

I've just had a look at a catalogue - I strongly suspect that the SF alarms and the Plastinmo models are actually the same items re-badged.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[snowleopard]

we fitted a plastimo twin-head. it detects ok, it went off when we were using contact glue for the head linings. the sensor in the gas locker detected the fact that someone hadn't done up the nut on the gas bottle tightly enough.

the galley sensor was placed 3" above the galley sole with a cage to protect it from kicking. unfortunately a galley spill ran down the hull side and a few drips landed on the sensor.

now our gas detector doesn't work (i.e. the alarm goes off as soon as you power it up). you can't even disconnect the defective sensor.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Gerry]

many thanks for the advice- I am still a little uncertain but my own research seems to indicate that they are all much the same- just a case of reliability that diffreentiates. Will probably go for the SF/Plastimo version-at least its readily available! Many thanks

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Plum]

Re: I alsohave the Canary model

which has worked well in eccess of 5 years (and possibly 10)

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[dickh]

I fitted the Pilot Dual about 4 years ago - bought it secondhand but had never been fitted, worked OK for a little while then wouldn't work, sent it back to Pilot who repaired it FOC, worked OK since. But watch where youput the sensors, the plastic cap can be easily knocked off

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[jackho]

Could I ask if a gas alarm and a CO alarm do the same job. I am looking to install an alarm and am confused as to the difference. I have smoke alarms in the cabins are they are very sensitive to any gas or CO ??????????
As I am about to install a Propex Gas Air heater I too welcome your responses.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[davidwf]

No a diffrent sensor is nedded for CO, however there are several gas alarms on the market that allow you to connect a CO sensor and a Gas sensor on the same unit. The Haztec one I know does. Not sure of all the others though.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[gtmoore]

I have a separate CO detector (domestic one about £30 I think) which is easy to test and indicates when the battery needs changing. It's mounted halfway up a bulkhead in the main cabin.

I know that LPG is heavier than air and collects in the bilges so that's where a gas detector sensor is normally located but I'm not sure about CO.

<hr width=100% size=1>Gavin