AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/boat-co-20-feet-generator

How far should you dock, beach or anchor from a boat that's running its generator or engine?

At least 20 feet away.

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  1. At least 20 feet ✔
  2. At least 5 feet
  3. Distance doesn't matter outdoors

Why: The CDC advises staying at least 20 feet from the nearest boat running a generator or engine, because carbon monoxide in its exhaust can drift onto your boat. CO has no color or smell.

Huh, didn't know that: The CDC says to install a UL-listed marine carbon monoxide detector inside your boat.

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References

Answer: At least 20 feet. The CDC advises staying at least 20 feet from the nearest boat running a generator or engine, because carbon monoxide in its exhaust can drift onto your boat. CO has no color or smell.

  1. CDC: About CO Poisoning on Your Boat www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/boating.html
    Dock, beach, or anchor at least 20 feet away from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine.
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. CDC: About CO Poisoning on Your Boat www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/boating.html
    Install and maintain a working CO detector listed by Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) as appropriate for marine use
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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