Kad 300 issue

[petem]

The insurance side is interesting as I have never been asked anything about how many or type of system that the boat has although there is no reason why it should make any odds as the sea fire system is not a standard fit item it’s an option.

My insurance ('Y') states...

Section J 1.9 There is no cover for any claim arising from fire or explosion on the vessel where the maximum designed speed of the vessel exceeds 17 knots if fitted with inboard machinery, unless:
(a) the vessel is equipped in the engine room with a fire extinguishing system automatically operated; or
(b) has controls at the steering position; or
(c) controls next to the engine room; and
(d) all properly installed and maintained.


Also, my boat is a 2002 build and has a Sea Fire system and no mention of this being an optional extra on the original invoice. The latest price list that I have (2003) also doesn't show this as being an extra. An earlier price list (2000) does show it as an optional extra there so I suspect it became standard equipment in 2001 ish.

 

[Portofino]

It’s this last bit at the end of c

“and
(d) all properly installed and maintained. “

So disconnected engine shut down - could be interpreted as not properly installed .
Leaving a knackered shut down unit - could be interpreted as not properly maintained.

Having said that ,if for example in the warm med you went ashore by tender and looked back to see a burning hulk which eventually sank in 4 m of easily recovered water .

You are not gonna tell em while making the claim what’s happened, and I doubt the loss adjuster rummaging through the remains after salvage could tell either .

They may ask for the last invoice for the “ sea fire “ system service - buts that’s a different although related potential “ cock off “ fight .

 

[jrudge]

I had my seafire system serviced ( and the 10 year pressure test is very expensive ) as y asked for the purchase survey and the underwriters requirement was to correct all defects which is did. The survey noted the system was out of test.

I am no expert but if the standard is sea fire in most boats and sea fire shuts the boat down then I assume someone with far more knowledge than I has decided this is a good thing to do.

Fires happen surprisingly often. Subscribe to a few Facebook groups around the med and you will see one I guess every 3-4 weeks.

I can’t see that killing the engines is going to swamp the boat. Sure the bathing platform will get covered in water as it comes to a stop. The seafire unit allows you to over ride the cut off and start again if you wish.

 

[petem]

J, what's the pressure test? Also, how do you go about having the kit tested? Apparently the people in SCM will come to the marina and test the kit in their van. How easy is it to remove the extuingshers for testing? I think I have 6; 2 in e/r, 2 hand held, one by bowthruster and one by fuel tank.

Final q, did they test your SeaFire system?

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

J, what's the pressure test? Also, how do you go about having the kit tested? Apparently the people in SCM will come to the marina and test the kit in their van. How easy is it to remove the extuingshers for testing? I think I have 6; 2 in e/r, 2 hand held, one by bowthruster and one by fuel tank.

Final q, did they test your SeaFire system?

I can jump in on this. For the little handheld extinguishers, it is cheaper to just replace them every five years than to get them serviced. The Seafire system is certified for 10 years, and I got mine retested by removing the cylinder, taking it to Seafire in Portsmouth who take the gas out, get the cylinder hydrostatically tested, replace the valves and refill it. Cost about £150.

 

[jrudge]

Mine was e1000!

As jimmy says the system is only valid for 10 years then needs pressure test and refill.

I rely on the pressure gauges on the other hand held ones.

It was a chunk of change but there was no option and fire suppression is pretty important ! And the insurers required if of course !

 

[Portofino]

Mine was e1000!

As jimmy says the system is only valid for 10 years then needs pressure test and refill.

I rely on the pressure gauges on the other hand held ones.

It was a chunk of change but there was no option and fire suppression is pretty important ! And the insurers required if of course !

When you came to buy it - did you or the broker not knock off the price the updating / service of the ER extinguisher ?
So the €1000 is in the man maths kitty

Just that when I put my SS on Brokerage there was a lot of DD paperwork wise I had to present to the broker .
One of them was the “ seafire “ service .,it was overdue I think .
I did not have it - he said the buyer s survey will pick up on this , but seein as it’s about the same as the survey fee - leave it and we will agree to knock off when they present us with the survey .
Buyer thinks survey was worth it as gets a reduction to meet his outlay .

But we had allready factored the chip down in the asking and agreed prices .