Houseboat Timeshare Article

Long-time boaters Ken and Bambi Dixey of Colorado chided the government for allowing manufacturers to build houseboats that vented carbon monoxide gas directly into a cavity beneath the swim platform where the deadly gas could accumulate in close proximity to unsuspecting swimmers.

They urged the panel, chaired by Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), to take immediate steps to recall the boats in question, correct the design defect and alert the boating public to the potential dangers (see page 22, "Houseboat Hazard, A Nationwide Problem" as well as "Houseboat Tragedies Call for Recall," in the March issue of BOAT/. Magazine).

One of the problems faced by the Coast Guard in recalling these boats is that over 80% are over five years old and federal law limits the Coast Guard's recall authority to five years. Another is the Coast Guard's traditional reluctance to be a consumer advocate.

The Coast Guard's office responsible for ensuring that boats are built safely is "undermanned, underfunded and lacks the authority to recall boats that present a substantial risk of personal injury to the public," said . Government Affairs Vice President Michael Sciulla, testifying before the panel.

He urged the committee to approve legislation extending the Coast Guard's recall authority from five to 10 years. The recall period for automobiles was extended from eight to 10 years following the Firestone tire tragedy in which well over 100 Americans lost their lives as government regulators failed recognize the hazard. The danger of external carbon monoxide poisoning is also not limited to houseboats.

"The sea can be much less forgiving than the highway where you can often just pull over to the side of the road. America's boat owners deserve no less protection under the law than that afforded motorists," said Sciulla.

. members are urged to contact Rep. Frank LoBiondo do Coast Guard Subcommittee, 507 FHOB, . House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515 as well as Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings (D-SC) do the Commerce Committee, SD-566, . Senate, Washington, DC 20510 in support of extending the defect period from five to 10 years.