Fire Extinguisher Systems

[phil_t]

We've just bought a larger boat (35') and are now pouring larger amounts of money into it!!

Our surveyor reported the Halon engine room extinguisher system and the insurance company (N&G) have insisted it is changed.

At LBS we looked at Seafire & Firemaster - Seafire gas system looked best but since then, we've seen the FirePower system. This is FM36 gas but with a long plastic tube which is routed round the engine room, near to the risk areas. If a fire starts, the nearest part of the tube ruptures and the gas is delivered to the fire via the rupture. This seems to make a lot of sense to me, the gas is known to be effective and is safe for us mortals - all in all, apart from the price (similar to Seafire) it looks good.

Anyone else got any views or hard info? I've not seen any reports of this system in either MBM or PBO.


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[Andrew38]

I've been looking at Sea Fire systems as well though on my smaller boat. Best things seems to be that they have a deal whereby if you are insured with Navigators and General there is a 12.5% discount. Best price for the system was from TCS Chandlery in Essex then an extra 12.5% -- a deal I was pleased with.
Particularly as N&G was the best insurance deal already -- for the record the MBM insurance report a couple of months ago was spot on! My Broom 38 based at Harleyford and used on sea work cost exactly the same as the one shown in the article -- I was impressed.

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[Plum]

Halon replacement for GBP80

Thought you might be interested in a reply I got from Firemaster.................

"Dear Sir,

The closest replacement is a similar automatic to your Halon product but using FE36 gas. This is similar to Halon but without the ozone depleting problems.

The size you require will depend on the Cubic value of your engine space:-

1kg protects up to 1.7m3 ... ... £ 78.65
1.5kg protects up to 2.5m3 ... ... £109.05

I suggest that one of these two sizes will suit. Special replacement prices include VAT, carriage and safe disposal of your halon at a Government recognised disposal establishment. You would have to return your halon unit at your expense.

Payment by cheque or Credit Card over the phone (Tel: 020 8852 8585).

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[duncan]

Re: Halon replacement for GBP80

looks pretty reasonable price - 1.5kg should do my 'standard' single engine bay pretty well.


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[BrendanS]

Re: Halon replacement for GBP80

Their website is devoid of information. How does it work? ie do you unscrew old halon bottle, and replace with this one. Or does it need new triggering and alarm system?

<hr width=100% size=1>There is no such thing as "fun for the whole family."

 

[miket]

Re: Halon replacement for GBP80

Interesting response Plum.
Not sure about the last comment about one of these 2 being appropriate?

I have 2 x VP TAMD61A's, so quite big lumps, in a 37 footer.
Roughly thinking about the engine bay area I come up with;
2.4m x 1.8m x 1.5m = 6.5cubic m's.
Quite a lot more than you are suggesting?
Am I wrong in my calc' or were you thinking perhaps of a single small engine installation?

Assuming the price is proportional it still looks quite good compared to quotes I have had elsewhere for Halon replacement.

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[Plum]

Re: Halon replacement for GBP80

I have a single small engine, but my assumption is that you subtract the volume of the engine(s) from the volume of the engine room.

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[tr7v8]

Re: Halon replacement for GBP80

Not true this came up a few weeks ago. Extingusher specs should be on total engine bay vol. This covers leakage, consumption by the engines etc.

<hr width=100% size=1>Jim

Draco 2500