Fire Extinguishers

[swist]

This came up in another post but is important enough to merit clarification. My fire extinquisher has been on my boat for a LONG time. The little dial always reads in the green so every Spring when checking out flares and all the other safety equipment I simply assume it is OK and move on. There are no signs of corrosion or other wear.<br /><br />Is (a) this a fair indication that the thing will work? or (b) should they be replaced every x years regardless.

 

[RedRangerVIP]

Re: Fire Extinguishers

I would either recharge it or get another. After one sits for a long time, the powder gets compacted to the bottom of the extinguisher. You try to use it and it won't spray because the thing is clogged.<br /> You won't know if it's clogged til it's too late!(your boat is on fire already)<br /> Better to be safe than sorry. Change it out or have it recharged.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Fire Extinguishers

Get a new one for sure .Its the end of the year you can probably get one on sale cheap.Not worth the chance of not having one work when you need it.Charlie

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Fire Extinguishers

If you invert your extinguisher you can either feel and hear the powder flow/slide from one end to the other, or you will feel and hear a thud indicating the agent is in a wad and no longer useful. Whenever you get on your boat you should be checking the dial on all extinguishers before heading out. That is also an ideal time to shake each extinguisher a couple times to help keep the agent/powder fluffy and check for that ‘thud’.<br /><br />I don’t think there is an end to what I have to say on the subject of fire extinguisher ... so I’m not even going to start.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Fire Extinguishers

I carry two, and replace every few years, and recycle the old ones to the van, shop, shed. Toss after what seems like the time to do it. <br />A two pack will cost about $20...lot cheaper than a house or boat or shop

 

[BrianFD]

Re: Fire Extinguishers

Something I found in my extinguisher: A spider had made his home in the nozzle. I don't think it would have discharged if/when I needed it!<br />Never hurts to check all your safety equipment before heading out!<br />

 

[cc lancer]

Re: Fire Extinguishers

Well I am paranoid, there's one in the cabin, one at the captains chair, and one near the engine.<br />If you have an engine fire you may only have seconds to get it put out.

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: Fire Extinguishers

Have a 21' with 3 on board, under the helm, the engine compartment, and one in the bow storage area. Never know where the fire will start. Check, and recycle to your garage, etc.

 

[Catchem]

Re: Fire Extinguishers

Swist,just so you know...the gauge is for the pressure.The dry chem inside will stay fluid for years.You need to install the extinguisher horizontaly not upright.This will allow the dry chem powder to move from side to side and stay fluid.This a coast guard and Power squadron recommendation.Shaking it before each season will also tell you it is ok.If you lose pressure then moisture will get in and you will need to replace the dry chem powder.Hope this helps you out.

 

[garycinn]

Re: Fire Extinguishers

If you have an I/O, these are automatic discharge units are great:<br /><br />www.fireboy-xintex.com<br /><br />I put one on my boat along with one of their fume detectors. I also carry a portable Kidde extinguisher.<br /><br />Some big plusses for the auto discharge units compared to portables: They don't leave a mess (FE-241 -- a halon subsitute); you don't open the engine compartment letting more oxygen in; you can recharge them; they are wired to shut off your blower when they discharge; they have a light on the dash showing they are operating.<br /><br />For less than $200, they have given me a new peace of mind for me and my family.<br /><br />I need to check with my insurance carrier, as I think I may even get a reduced rate.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Fire Extinguishers

Hey folks, anytime I see people talking about fire extinquishers or life preservers, I feel compelled to add a few things while we're talking safety. Two things not to forget 1) your anchor is a very important safety device if you boat anywhere there is current, commercial traffic or a dam. If there is any reason your boat loses power, or you have to leave the helm, an anchor can be a life saver. 2) A VHF radio should be on board, and EVERYONE onboard should know how to use it in an emergency. Sure, call for help on the cell phone, but don't forget the cell phone could be reaching a tower a few counties away, and is going to connect to someone who has very little experience dealing with boating emergencies. Get on that VHF, help might be a boat one minute away.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Fire Extinguishers

Funny you should mention anchors and VHF. I was just reading about the USCG’s attempt to require a suitable anchor on every boat. Even went as far as getting public comments before enacting the regulation. The whole thing died because (a) no one could agree on what a suitable anchor is, and (b) the USCG would be responsible for the cost to test every anchor and then would be liable for the results of those tests. Instead, in 2002 they decided every boat ‘should’ have a VHF for safety, but stopped short of requiring it.