[C38] Boat Fire

[Joseph Launie]

Steve,
     When you get your new extinguishers (at least 3) get the large 
size. Make sure they are ABC extinguishers. For some reason no one seems 
to get taught about extinguishers (we call them first aid units). A 
Class A fire is burning wood and textiles (your curtains etc.), Class B 
burning oils and greases, Class C electrical fire. You never know what 
fire you get so be ready for them all.   In my last power boat, I had 
automatic Halon bottles in the engine compartment. Halon puts out fire 
by eliminating air so is contraindicated in people spaces but great for 
engine compartments. Water is ok for class A fires but very bad for B  
and C. It spreads burning oils and kills you if you put it on a Class C 
electrical fire.  Class D fires are burning metals - no extinguisher - 
just run like hell. Joe

On 7/26/2010 11:36 PM, Steve Smolinske wrote:
> Seems to be the month for fires,  I just had a situation on our power 
> boat, a searay 21 open bow ski boat.  I was going to use it this 
> weekend for pulling Jr. High kids at church camp and took it out for 
> the first time to make sure it started and all worked as this was the 
> first use since winterizing it last year.  About a mile from the dock 
> I noticed the temp was higher than normal so I came to a stop to find 
> smoke billowing out from under the engine cover along with some 
> crackling noises.  quick action and I do mean quick emptied two fire 
> extinguishers.   Hand held flare ignited and two jets skis and a power 
> boat arrived promptly and the police shortly there after.  Not sure of 
> the damage yet as I need to get the boat to the dealer.   Im passing 
> along this post for general information learned from the experience.
> First the coast guard requires one fire extinguisher, I had two for 
> good measure.......let me tell you that was not enough, it is amazing 
> how quickly (2 seconds maybe) they discharge.  After the second one 
> was expended it was a horrible feeling to still see smoke, hear 
> crackling noises and realize I had no more extinguishers....On 
> Peregrine I have two I will be picking up at least three more, and not 
> the small ones.
> My flares were current and came in handy, again I have a the required 
> amount, on Peregrine we have many more
> We also have Vessel Assist coverage with BoatUS...for the $50 or so 
> dollars that it costs I will save multiples of that tomorrow as we 
> have the boat towed to the boat ramp.
> We all prepare for the unexpected never expecting it to happen to us, 
> when it does you cant be over prepared.
> Steve
> #312 Peregrine
> Seattle
>
>
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