Engine compartment fire extinguishers

[Emjaytoo]

Having put down our deposit for a new boat at LIBS, we are now trying to firm up on the extras.

Should we have an automatic fire extinguisher in the engine compartment?

What do the forumites think?

 

[Genie]

I would say it's a must-have - surprised it's not standard fit.
Definitely push them to have one fitted FOC!
Good luck
Rob

 

[Cloven]

They are also often (usually?) a requirement for insurance.

 

[djc]

Had a survey carried out on my yacht recently,recommendation was to fit a auto fire extinguisher in engine bay or have a small lift flap in which to shoot a hand held ex, think i will do the later as prevoius auto ex depressurized after 2 years at a cost of £100. to replace. Also have a domestic smoke in engine bay just in case.

 

[Malcb]

IMO definitely for one for peace of mind if nothing else.

 

[bedouin]

Surely it depends on the boat/engine.

On an auxillary yacht with a small diesel it seems unnecessary. On anything with a petrol engine or more powerful diesel it is probably a good idea

 

[Alrob]

I thought it was part of the CE requirments

 

[Cornishman]

Why are you asking? They have been around for many years now and are without doubt a safety measure and if you are a safety conscious sailor you would not go to sea without one.
Should you ever consider trying to recover some of your costs by chartering your boat sometime in the future you must have one as part of your Code of Practice requirements.
Get a free RNLI SEACheck visit sometime and discuss it with the adviser.

 

[Emjaytoo]

Since it is only £165 plus VAT (only!), which compared to the price of the new boat, is peanuts, I am suitably covinced to have one installed.

Many thanks for the advice.