A boat ignition safety apparatus comprises a safety control module having
a vapor sensor to monitor the concentration to fuel vapors in an engine
compartment of a boat. When the vapor sensor detects that the
concentration of fumes has risen above a predetermined level, the safety
control module, enables an alarm, while activating an exhaust fan.
Somewhat simultaneously, the safety control module disables the starter
circuit of the boat's engine, while still allowing the ignition circuit
of the engine to remain active. As such, the operator of the boat is able
to retain navigational control of the boat, while the alarm condition
persists.