Engine fire suppression system

[midsouthfire]

Has anyone installed/had installed a automatic fire suppression system for there engine compartment? I install systems for barges and large pieces of construction equipment, just wonder about what kind of market there would be out there. The equipment is not that expensive and not much labor to install. Just looking for opinions.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

i've installed several, but it is also and option when purchasing a new boat. and most who buy new take the option. that are aware of the system.

 

[arks]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

Yeah, I think TD's right- my last 2 boats already had 'em installed, and they don't "wear out" and need replacing (but they DO need to be serviced/checked for proper weight occasionally).
There might be a market for them in smaller (under 30') cruisers- I'd think those boats might not have listed a auto FS system as an option when new and owners, who were typically moving up from smaller boats, didn't know about them.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

I had thought that all I/O boats already had them. My '88 SeaRay 19 footer had one. I figured they were required by law, as a blower is.

 

[midsouthfire]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

I believe the only boats that are required to have systems are large commercial vessels. I think a system for even small boats would be cost effective, just for the what if factor. The price of it as an option on a new boat shouldn't change the monthly payment much at all. I'm going to put one on my 86 Cobalt and possible on my buddies Sea Ray just for advertisement purposes.

 

[Thept]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

I am looking at many boats right now for a purchase. The only boats we have seen with these as standard equipment are the Sea Ray boats. They are a great feature and they also save you 10 % on your insurance. I would think there would be a market for them if they are not expensive and can be installed in 1 day

 

[midsouthfire]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

I am looking at many boats right now for a purchase. The only boats we have seen with these as standard equipment are the Sea Ray boats. They are a great feature and they also save you 10 % on your insurance. I would think there would be a market for them if they are not expensive and can be installed in 1 day

One day install would not be problem. They are based on the cubic area being protected.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

Gotta chime in here. I don't know whats available now in F/S systems, but I do know that the best were HALON. My brother races "Vintage"..(56 Alfa)..and a while ago the race car systems were easy to buy and install.
BUT..I did catch a bit on Mythbusters just a few days ago....on the C02 in front of a car to stop the motor on fleeing idiots.
They mentioned HALON would work better, but because of the "CFC" thing...it has been outlawed...I need to Google it up for the truth...

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

Heres the truth....(save the world?..just HOW MUCH IS USED YEARLY..ITS FOR FIRE!...or burn down a Marina with 100 boats...as ya can tell, I am NOT..a big fan of Gov control..idiots..)
A link...http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/waac/wn/wn15/wn15-2/wn15-208.html

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

I think they'd do better just flooding the passenger compartment with CO2

I wouldn't mind a fire suppression system for my boat, if I could add it in myself... I'm not really big on paying other people to work on my toys.

Erik

 

[bomar76]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

Geeezzzzzzzzzzzz.
You guys are all making it sound like it's some huge deal to install...
Our current Baja did not have an automatic system when we bought it, but does now.
All you have to do is determine the volume of the engine compartment, order an appropriate size extinguisher with head, and mount it.
Other than waiting for the unit to arrive it took 10 minutes, if that.

And yes, ours is Halon.

 

[midsouthfire]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

Gotta chime in here. I don't know whats available now in F/S systems, but I do know that the best were HALON. My brother races "Vintage"..(56 Alfa)..and a while ago the race car systems were easy to buy and install.
BUT..I did catch a bit on Mythbusters just a few days ago....on the C02 in front of a car to stop the motor on fleeing idiots.
They mentioned HALON would work better, but because of the "CFC" thing...it has been outlawed...I need to Google it up for the truth...

Halon systems have been taken off the market by "BIG BROTHER", but there are agents out there that are very similar to halon they just take alittle more agent to cover the same cu ft. Anybody can install them themselves with some instruction, there is options you can add with the system.

 

[Rogue427]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

We make several replacements for halon at work. CO2, cleanagent and FM200 are the first that come to mind.

 

[midsouthfire]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

We make several replacements for halon at work. CO2, cleanagent and FM200 are the first that come to mind.

Rogue you must work for Ansul

 

[Rogue427]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

Yes I work for Ansul. Not in sales. I work in maintance.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

Where are these systems available for purchase. I didn't notice iboats having it in their store. Haven't really looked, just curioius. Havn't done much research yet on this subject since I'm far from installing one.
THANKS

 

[bomar76]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

Odd, I didn't find them on this site either...
here are some from the competition (well, since iBoats doesn't sell them, not really a competetor):

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...L=true&storeNum=8&subdeptNum=155&classNum=156

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...L=true&storeNum=8&subdeptNum=155&classNum=156

 

[midsouthfire]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

If anybody needs assisstance in sizing or general info, I can help. Buying from a reseller like that probably does give much tech help at all. Pricing seems ok compared to what I would have to pay. If anyone would be interested I can look into a larger order to get a discount. Private message me if anyone is interested.

 

[Neverhome]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

Erik,

They are simple to install. I have trouble drawing a straight line with a ruler and put one in my boat in a couple of hours.

Neverhome

 

[midsouthfire]

Re: Engine fire suppression system

It is very simple to install, and not a whole lot of money for some piece of mine. Using the dry chemical in the hand held extinguisher on your engine while it's running would ruin it, the halon replacements would leave no residue and no damage.