Safety Lessons Learned From a BoatUS "Boat Burn" Event in 2016
The BoatU.S. Foundation‘s Boat Burn event held at the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department in Huntingtown, MD, October 25 was an enlightening event highlighted in the December SpinSheet 2016. In a controlled environment, three boats were torched: a 16-foot fishing boat, a 23-foot Sea Ray, and a 25-foot cabin cruiser. Here’s some video showing how shockingly quickly fiberglass can burn, followed by some pictures, tips, and links to help you learn more about fire prevention and safety.
Fire prevention tips
- Know where your fire extinguishers are and how to use them.
- Learn how to call for help. The BoatU.S. Foundation offers the online course All About Marine Radio that costs $30 (SpinSheet tested and approved). FIND IT HERE
- Do regular electrical maintenance (monthly during the season) on every component of the DC system associated with the engine and the batteries; ensure all connections are tight from the batteries to the starter to the alternator, make sure wiring is secured to minimize the impact of vibration, keep battery terminals clean, and inspect wiring for signs of chafe.
- Do not use heaters in lieu of winterizing. Never to leave a heater running if there is no one aboard.
- Inspect the exhaust system regularly and replace the exhaust manifold every five years.
- Wiping down hoses with a rag and smelling it can alert you to a slow fuel leak. If the rag smells of gasoline or diesel, you have a leak or the old hose needs to be replaced.
- Upgrade your alcohol stove to propane.
- Find BoatUS's report on the boat burn event here.
Find more boating safety articles here.
Here are some more photos from the event:
