Fire...

[tdappleman]

So - I was reading another site and found this link:

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]http://www.justnews.com/video/18772960/index.html[/FONT][/FONT]

Thankfully I've never had a fire on board but this really has me wondering... how do you really handle a fire on board? I have an automatic bottle in the engine room, a portable extinguisher in the cockpit and 2 in the cabin. When I turn my key switch on - the automatic system says armed and I assume that if a fire occurred it would melt the tip off the nozzle and discharge. Should I have a remote smoke/fire alarm system - a detector in the engine room and a readout or display at the helm?

 

[fc3]

Yes, the automatic system fires when a part melts. If it does fire, you'll certainly hear it. If you have a fire in the engine space, don't open the hatch! Let the automatic system handle it. Opening the hatch will disperse the agent. There is a 4" port in the deck that you can remove and direct the stream of a portable extinguisher though if you need to add more agent to the fire.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[comsnark]

. . and after that is done, then you implement your "ditch plan".

My ditch plan involves jumping overboard and walking to shore. . . .

 

[tdappleman]

Good responses. The interesting thing is I don't have an access port - I have 3 separate engine hatches so I guess I could crack one of those if necessary to spray additional material in. So you can hear the system work? Is it that loud? or does it make a unique sound?

Comsnark - I like your ditch plan... mine is similar! The kids know to look for us and regroup after anything has happened. The kids always wear their life jackets - the adults are optional but they are within grabbing distance along with at least one Type 4 cushion. I have a small ditch bag with flares, whistle, mirror, glow sticks and a first aid kit which hopefully I'll be able to grab on the way out.

 

[hack4alivin]

Good responses. The interesting thing is I don't have an access port - I have 3 separate engine hatches so I guess I could crack one of those if necessary to spray additional material in. So you can hear the system work? Is it that loud? or does it make a unique sound?

Comsnark - I like your ditch plan... mine is similar! The kids know to look for us and regroup after anything has happened. The kids always wear their life jackets - the adults are optional but they are within grabbing distance along with at least one Type 4 cushion. I have a small ditch bag with flares, whistle, mirror, glow sticks and a first aid kit which hopefully I'll be able to grab on the way out.

That is an excellent idea for the “ditch bag”.:thumbsup:
I am going to implement that idea on my boat and have the bag attached to my PFD.

 

[chelepop]

The 'fire extinguisher' is actually called the halon that lives on the back shelf of the motor-well, which when activated by fire, it will suck out all the oxygen (in the motor-well) as to not feed the flame. I'm not sure about where they are located at after the new 350da 2008, but if you need to know if your missing a halon or an extinguisher, I will try to find out for ya

Chelepop

 

[mpatton]

It's necessary to be prepared for fire at the dock as well. last summer the new boater/owner of a 450da flipped is aft curtain up over the arch, lit a candle and went below. A CANDLE! His boat, and a beautiful old Bert burned to the water line in minutes. The occupants literally jumped from the boats in the nick of time, there was no time for fire extinguishers, and water hoses were of no use. Other boats were extensively damaged as well. Your only as safe as your worst neighbor!

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/belmont.harbor.fire.2.769528.html

 

[Beer Thirty]

As a runabout owner should i just keep an extinguisher in the engine compartment and maybe one under one of the bow seats? Is there really much you can do in a small boat?

I usually keep my life jackets in the engine compartment. Should i move them to the bow instead this year? I've never had a boat fire but that's no excuse to not be prepared.

 

[papogator24]

As a runabout owner should i just keep an extinguisher in the engine compartment and maybe one under one of the bow seats? Is there really much you can do in a small boat?

I usually keep my life jackets in the engine compartment. Should i move them to the bow instead this year? I've never had a boat fire but that's no excuse to not be prepared.

That should be under your bow seat. You want it to be a place where you can quickly access your life jackets.

 

[tdappleman]

That is an excellent idea for the “ditch bag”.:thumbsup:
I am going to implement that idea on my boat and have the bag attached to my PFD.

Does anyone have suggestions on what type of bag to use? I'm almost ashamed to say I have it all in a quart sized zip lock bag..... at least it's all in one spot and easy to get to if I need it. I was thinking of getting something like this - plus it's yellow for visibility.

http://www.hodgesmarine.com/DRY-PAK-ROLL-TOP-DRY-GEAR-BAG-YELLOW-p/drywb-7.htm

 

[chuck1]

Does anyone have suggestions on what type of bag to use? I'm almost ashamed to say I have it all in a quart sized zip lock bag..... at least it's all in one spot and easy to get to if I need it. I was thinking of getting something like this - plus it's yellow for visibility.

http://www.hodgesmarine.com/DRY-PAK-ROLL-TOP-DRY-GEAR-BAG-YELLOW-p/drywb-7.htm

IMHO - It depends:grin:

When I'm in local shallow/narrow waters (Lakes, rivers) I have a small dry pak like you are talking about.

When I'm in bigger waters or longer trips I care a big bag with flares, hand held VHF, water/food, 1st Aid kit, etc.