Fire Extinguisher Question

[weaver_fish]

Insurance docs say that boat must have an automatic fire extinguishing system fitted in "engine room" or remote operated extinguisher. Then goes on to say "if possible" in tank space too.

Well its not possible in tank space, but how the hell do I fulfill the first requirement... the engine barely fits in there as it is?

Secondly, what fire extiguishers would you recommend to fit to a 26ft boat with inboard diesel, no gas system. Obviously a fire blanket. Insurers say 2kg extinguisher - what type? Also how many, what size and what location?

Cheers

 

[Cloven]

I have 1 automatic in engine compartment - see here:

http://www.gaelforcemarine.co.uk/ProductDetailsPage.aspx?product_id=19566

2 x 1kg ABC dry powder in main cabin - both by companionway steps and accessible from cockpit

1 x 1kg ABC dry powder in forward cabin & 1 x 1kg ABC dry powder in cockpit locker

Fire blanket by cooker.

Hope this helps

 

[Gin]

The Halon replacement(gas) type are best as they cause no damage to the engine and ancilliaries, and no mess to clean up. The smallest of these 1kg are little bigger than an ordinary dry powder extinguisher and will self activate when overheated- about £120 last time I looked.

As to the cabin extinguishers- you really can't avoid using dry powder types in a small boat so I would say 1 x 1kg by the companionway exit and another of the same by the forehatch, plus a third if you want to be extra cautious- by the galley or a second by the companionway if that is better for you. Dry powder very messy to clear up!!

 

[bendyone]

I have 4, 1 in the cocpit locker, 1 in the back cabin, 1 by the cooker and 1 by the chart table. Also a fire blanket by the cooker. The engine room is very tight for space but I have a eye hole to squirt throught if needed.

 

[Aja]

For the engine compartment it is acceptable to drill a small hole (13mm) in an easily accessible place and have a 'normal' extinguisher clipped beside the hole. I've seen some of the holes covered by a slightly larger disc of wood which can be swung over the hole further reducing intake of oxygen to the engine compartment.

Downside of this is that the use of a normal extinguisher could stop the engine if running by the powder being sucked into the air intake. Maybe not a good idea in the circumstances!

I have an old (illegal) Halon automatic extinguisher in the engine compartment. I'll get round to replacement one day, maybe.

You would have to measure the volume of the engine compartment and reduce this area by the guestimate of the volume taken up by the engine itself. This would give you the size of automatic/non-automatic extinguisher needed.

Regards

Donald

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
I've seen some of the holes covered by a slightly larger disc of wood which can be swung over the hole further reducing intake of oxygen to the engine compartment.

[/ QUOTE ] Not for that reason. the engine compartment must have a good supply of air othewise the engine will not run, unless it is ducted in from outside directly to the engine air intake, and the alternator will overheat possibly.

 

[fluffc]

I would recommend if possible carrying an AFFF extinguisher on board as they leave no mess, and no fumes. Dry powder in a boat makes a huge mess, and the area uninhabitable for a while while the fumes clear.

 

[Aja]

Sorry - didn't make myself clear. In normal engine operation the disc of wood would not cover the hole - only after the extinguisher had been discharged would the disc cover the hole to limit amount of oxygen.

Donald

 

[VicS]

No sorry I did not make my self clear either. My post was done rather in a bit of a hurry as I was just about to go out.

The point I was trying to make was that the engine compartment would be so well ventillated in order to supply an adequate volume of air to the engine that closing the little opening for the extiguisher would have no effect what so ever in restricting the air supply to the fire. It might stop smoke pouring out into the cabin but if you've got a fire in the engine room then a bit of extra smoke coming out of a liitle hole is not going to be very significant either.

I expect you would be surprised at how much noise could get out of the hole if it was not closed off while the engine is running though!

 

[jwilson]

Two options - the 'hole' with which most modern production boats have factory-fitted, plus an external extinguiher, or a pyrotechnic aerosol type extinguisher fitted in the engine compartment (These are tiny, compared to ordinary extinguishers)

For the pyro extinguisher see http://www.marinefiresafety.co.uk/fire_pro_aerosol_firefighting_.html or google for similar. They are expensive.

If a hole you normally keep it closed (presumably your engine gets enough oxygen from somewhere already, or it would't run. Leaving it open will just increase your noise level. Holes are cheap....