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>Should one take measures against a possible methane build up and explosion
>in the porta potty? Are methane detectors available?
CO detectors and Gas Detectors are very different products. The amount of
Methane and other combustible gases which might be produced by the PPotti
are quite rather minimal even negligible for an explosion threat, and
further minimized by chemical interactions if you are using toilet
chemicals. But even without enough to be a threat of explosion that dosent
mean it wouldnt smell. Gas expands to meet its maximum containment, so it
could smell bad even if the cabin werent "filled with methane" as would be
the case with a bad fuel canister leak, etc... and that would be dangerous.
As for a detector, your nose is as good as any for the most part as most
commercial gasses has scent added for detection. But if you really feel
you need one check your local RV store, they sell 12v ones that can be
connected to the battery. They detect methane, propane, butane, gasoline,
etc... I put one in my Camper, paid about $12 but it was clearance, expect
to pay more. for the boat I wouldnt bother and would just be mindful of
ventilation of which the potter is designed for (companion way hatch and
for hatch plus the snorkel/louvered door of the fore chamber for the anchor
in P19).
There is an internet story that floated around of a fat man who ate lots of
cabbage, etc and went to sleep in the winter in his intentionally winter
draft sealed bedroom--and suffocated in his own bowel gas. I seem to
recall it as one of the darwin awards years back. Potters are rather air
leaky through the companion way even when its closed so no worries there.
Is it also prudent to
>get a carbon monoxide detector for running the stove in the cabin? There
>are several instances of people killed or overcome by carbon monoxide while
>cooking in tents, are there any cases of this in boats?
There probably are. The big thing to consider is ventilation (while
cooking) I take it you are not cooking constantly but intermittently so
ventilate while cooking and you should be fine. If you are still nervous
get a CO detector (would recommend one by Kidde/Nighthawk) but if it was a
really significant problem, chances are the Coasties would have mandated
that our boats be outfitted with one the way they require Fire
Extinguishers...
Thomas Westerman
P19 #578
Colorado Springs