Lots of boat fires these days...

[Carpediem44DB]

31 foot Sea Ray catches fire while owner is doing maintenance.
Boat catches fire in Dana Point Harbor (msn.com)
Just wondering how this happens?
Carpe Diem

 

[Shoyrtt]

The Ocean Alexander that burned in Avalon a few weeks ago is rumored to be arson.

 

[Njlarry]

Owner doing maintenance is likely ignition of gasoline.
Owner not aboard is likely electrical.
They must have interviewed the owner who knows what happened.

 

[b_arrington]

We were talking about this in the Back Cove/Sabre group this week relative to a boat catching fire off Block Island (looks like a Grand Banks).

The OP in that discussion was wondering how a diesel-powered boat caught fire since that fuel is not nearly as volatile as gasoline. The consensus was that electrical issues are leading cause of boat fires. Some of the discussions of owner's experiences included:

• Melted and arcing wires on an AC selector switch. The connections had come loose and cause resistive heating.
• Smoke/fire from a generator. Electrical cable nuts had vibrated loose during over-the-road transport.
• Loose nut on a buss bar caused so much heat the nut became welded onto the stud. Fire was luckily avoided
• A leak from a window on my boat in rough seas caused salt water to run down the inside of the cabin and into a live AC outlet. That shorted the terminals and caused arcing and smoke. Luckily the GFCI tripped and prevented any major problems.

The ABYC has stringent standards for all manner of electrical items on boats for a reason. Lack of maintenance, improper installation/materials, and simple vibration from the marine environment can all cause a fire. For that reason, it's a best practice to always use marine-grade connectors (not HW store connectors that are less corrosion resistant), use tinned marine-grade stranded wire, and properly support/secure all wires. Its also a good idea to periodically check electrical connections/nuts/screws to make sure they are tight. Diesel is hard to ignite, but it certainly will burn if an electrical fire gets to it. And fiberglass will sure burn too.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

I would concur. When I bought my 06 44DB I found loose and burned terminals on the AC buss right after delivery after survey. Marine surveyors say right in the contract that they won't open electrical panel requiring the removal of hardware.
This boat had 118 hours on it in 2015. I used to have pictures of it but one of the terminals was burned 1/2 of the way off. Ever since then I inspect and check security of wire terminals when ever I have the chance to have a panel open.

 

[b_arrington]

And THAT’S exactly why I don’t do maintenance! If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
Kidding. But seriously, if it involves fuel, I won’t do it. Last year I found a drip where fuel line enters carb. I called a pro. He tightened it. Cost me $50. I ain’t dying for a few bucks.

I didn’t do work in my gas engine for the same reason. Made me very nervous. I’m comfortable working on my Diesel engine though.

 

[Skybolt]

Well I will say this on Diesel boats with turbos, I have replaced five turbos in ten years. Yep I have v6's and two turbos on each. I had to replace one twice because I should have replaced the exhaust riser at the same time. But my point is when turbos go they sometime drop the exhaust lip off and now the hot exhaust is bellowing in to the bilge and can start big fires very quickly. I have been extremely lucky in that this didn't happen to me when they blew. Because all of mine dropped the lip and well ...

 

[El Capitan]

Insurance claims.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Gee, lets see if we can go one day without another reported boat fire eh?
Large fire consumes boats, buildings, vehicles at boatyard (msn.com)

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Good plan, not the best way to get fifteen minutes of fame

 

[Halfhitch]

Anybody checked their ground wire to the filler fitting lately???......Me neither.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Good Samaritan rescues passengers from burning yacht on Hudson River (msn.com)
Day four in a row with boat fire but really who is counting? If the FAA was involved there would be an emergency directive to inspect all electrical and fuel systems prior to further operation. Could you imagine a world where every boat needed a yearly comprehensive inspection by a government certified inspector with a possible $10,000 fine for operation of said vessel out side of its inspection interval. Hope the Dems don't get wind of this concept, they would love to create another entity to keep us all safe from our selves.

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Florida officials say four people are injured after boat explosion (msn.com)
Keeping a perfect record so far.