Carver Owners Forum

Cpoint; If you powered down and the C02 detector, which is 12volt and hard wired to your 12volt system and the C02 detector stopped beeping, then I am almost sure it's a voltage drop that is making your CO2 detector beep.-Mike

Cpoint; If you powered down everything and the CO2 stopped beeping, its a voltage supply problem. All electronics today need a minimum voltage requirement to operate right and have a safety feature to alert you that there is not enough voltage for the electronic unit to operate properly or they just shut down to protect themselves. You said you bought another detector, I hope it was a 12volt hardwired unit and not a 9volt battery unit. Also if you replace your batteries I suggest getting the biggest ones you can fit in the battery boxes, you listed a group 27, you can go to group 29's or 31's, You want the highest reserve you can get.- Mike

Thanks Mike. The portable detector I got is not wired, just 9 volt battery powered. I will get the batteries checked out if needs replacing I will try to get the highest reserve one possible.

Cpoint; The 12volt CO2 detectors are an easy exchange. Take the cover off, disconnect the power feed, unmount the detector, unwire the 12volt wires and then reverse the process. You want to make sure the detector you get is CO2 and Smoke detector. I believe our 355 has two detectors, one forward and one aft. Even though its a pain, having the hard wired one lets you know there is low voltage. As I said before when your out on the water, switch to just one battery, not both, that way your sure to have enough juice to start your engines. Also running the genny is a good idea every chance you get and exercise it. It seems those that only use their gennys' once in a while have more problems with them than those who use them often.-Mike

Sorry guys, I have to put this out there so someone isn't mistakenly looking for the wrong detector. It's a CO detector; carbon monoxide (dangerous) not CO2 which is carbon dioxide. It's a common slip but for someone who doesn't really know the difference, it could be a problem.

I agree with Mike; it's an easy install and it should also be noted that most marine units are smarter than household ones in that they learn patterns of activity in hopes of minimizing nuisance alerts. The low voltage chirp is a bonus feature that will attract/alert others in the marina that there is an issue during your absence.

Mike also brings up a very good point regarding generator usage. Non-use of any engine is the worst thing you can do, it's an engine killer. Run it at least once a week under load and bring it up to normal running temp for a while. Your genny will love you for it.

Actually that was going to be next question, if I run the generator while away from dock, I should not have the low voltage issue, is that correct?

As long as the batteries are charged or your charger is on while the generator is running, and all systems are functioning properly, you should not have a low voltage issue unless your loads are drawing more than you're charging.

Viper wrote:Qr Bbpost As long as the batteries are charged or your charger is on while the generator is running, and all systems are functioning properly, you should not have a low voltage issue unless your loads are drawing more than you're charging.

Thanks viper. Still having engine issues, so I can not test out this issue. But I did look at the detector, all 3 have green power light while on dock. So I believe detectors are fine. I am pretty sure it is power issue. Boat yard will be checking out the engine issue Tuesday, I will have them check out the batteries, as well as alternator, if it is charging issue while generator is off and engine is running. The batteries are NAPA Auto batteries currently (not sure how old or new they are) Most likely I will end up replacing with marine batteries.

Based on everyone's experience...what battery manufacturer can you commend?

Batteries are batteries, personally I go to Wal Mart, I never had good luck with interstate. There are like only 3 battery manufacturers any more and they just change labels for branding. Then again any of them could have a bad batch and be no good that year. Mike