Why is a fire extinguisher required with an OB – NOW I KNOW!!

[Neighbor Dave]

All my crabbing buddies were unavailable this morning so I went out alone. I headed out Cox Creek…over to my fall crabbing area near the mouth of the Wye. It was blowing more than the forecast (what else is new!!!) so the ride over was rougher than I thought. I decided since I was out alone, water temp when I lowered my boat was 48 to wear my type5 PFD (that’s why I bought it…the regular ones are way too bulky). Anyway, I got to my spot to find no one there. OK …. since the commercial guys are not here…must be done for the year. I lay my line anyway. As soon as I finished my lay, a commercial guy rounds the corner and lays his line. OK, maybe it will be an OK day.

I run my line the first time into the wind (always a mistake…I never learn). On the way down the line I see an oil slick (or what I thought was oil) following my kicker. At the end of the line, I kill the kicker, pop the cover and check the oil (4 stroke Honda). Oil level was OK. I pump the ball a couple of times and fire up the kicker again. Immediately there is about a 3’ diameter of flames surrounding the kicker….OH SH!T. I remember looking up at shore (about 200 yards away) thinking I could swim if I needed as I race down to the cabin to get the fire extinguisher. It was attached to the mount with a bungy (the last I was checked by DNR I broke the strap and bungied it in). I struggle to get it out for what seemed line minutes, but was actually maybe 30 seconds. When I returned to the back of the boat with the fire extinguisher the flames were gone.

Emergency over….WOW was I was lucky!!!! Then I noticed a little smoke coming out from the kicker hood. I debated taking the cover off and giving oxygen to a fire (if there was one). After a couple of minutes I decide to take the cover off (since I had the fire extinguisher at my side) and immediately the engine bursts into flames. I immediately grab the fire extinguisher, pull the safety pin and pull the trigger…..Nothing!!!! Oh SH!T. I remember considering swimming again for a second or two. I then take a second look and see there is another safety on the top. You have to push the top down and then push the trigger. One short blast from the fire extinguisher on the kicker and all the flames are gone. THE LESSON HERE IS NOT ONLY SHOULD YOU CHECK AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT ON BOARD BUT READ THE INSTRUCTIONS (EVERY YEAR) TO BE SURE YOU KNOW HOW TO USE THEM IN AN EMMERGENCY!!!!

After regaining my composure I inspect the kicker and find the fuel line is separated from an in-line fuel filter I installed a couple of years back. Since I can’t run my line by myself without my kicker, I head for home.

PLEASE READ THIS POST AND LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES!!!!!

ND

[raythecrab]

Good lesson learned by all who read your post. I think I will put my extinguisher in a more accessable spot. I have noticed in life that it is much better to learn from other peoples mistakes. And cheaper.

Glad to hear that it was not a costly failure and that you are safe. Sorry that you missed a day of crabbing.....not too many more this year.

[stingray]

Excellent post. Yrs ago I bought a two pack pretty cheap and sacrificed one as a practice tool just to be prepared in case I need to use one quickly. Obviously time is critical.

[blodg]

I have to admit, as stupid as it is, I simply mounted my FE but really don't know how to operate the damn thing (I have a fairly new boat...what can possibly happen :nono: )....I will verify the operation the next time on the boat.

Thanks again...

To ALL: Some things may seem the most ridiculous things to post, but there are a lot of us that benefit from these post....don't hesitate to post due to ego.

[JB Crabs]

Good Lesson Dave. I have a backup on the boat but could never get to it on time if needed. Need to mount it in a handy location. The primary one is located on my console.


Thanks again
John

[Burchbeer]

Dave,
Glad your ok. Is the engine going to live?

Good post to learn from.

[Neighbor Dave]

Dave...Yea the kicker will be OK. Gat back and took a look at it. No spark, I would assume it's a fried wire somewhere. Another winter project!

I stopped on the way home and bought another FE. Thisd one will be mounted in the helm area somewhere.

ND

[POLECAT]

Although only one extinguisher is required on most boats, it's a good practice to have a backup unit in the event it is needed. One note of caution: Once a FE is activated (talking about the dry chemical type used on most boats) a coating of the dry chemical coats the valve's surfaces and over a period of time will allow the pressure inside the FE to escape, rendering it useless at the time it is needed most. Once activated, any dry chemical FE should be retired and not counted on as the primary unit. More input from professional fire fighters and/or those dealing with FE maintenance is welcomed.

Also, over time the dry chemical inside a FE becomes compacted and appears to somewhat solidify. This could cause the FE to not function properly when called upon. I think it is a good practice to occassionally shake the unit so as to aggitate its contents and break up the solidified chemical into its powdery form. I practice this proceedure, but do not really know if it is a recommended practice. It seems logical to me that it is better than not doing it, but once again, professional advice is welcomed.

[27 sailfish]

Wow-hell of a story-glad it worked out OK :yes: .

We had the Capt. of the charterboat " Back Draft" speak to our MSSA group in spring.He is a retired fireman-hence the boat name.

He told us to tap the bottom of the FE 1-2 times a year to keep the chemical free.He also said to replace them after 4-5 years.When you need it-it MUST work.

Great tip on learning how to operate them :thumbup: .Thanks for sharing your trouble-I'm sure it will help alot of us out of a bad jam. Skip

[Clark W. Griswold]

Carry one even if you're not required to because you have a small portable tank. I never have understood why they aren't required on every boat with an engine.

[rrr]

A fire extinguisher doesnt cost much when it comes to saving your outboard. A fire on water is a scary thing.

[b dog]

glad your ok dave. great story to wake us all up. you never think it's going to be you.

[gunsmoke]

Polcat is rite, once used the FE should be trashed. As for shaking it up mine is mounted
rite under the helm and the seas i get into do a pretty good job of shaking it up. Thank
the LORD you made it through ok and got home safely.

[POLECAT]

gunsmoke,

The pounding the FE takes while mounted upright in the bracket is, in part, responsible for the compacting of the dry chemical. In order to bust loose the compacted chemical, the FE needs to be inverted and given a few stout whacks against a hard object.

It's easy to tell if the chemical is loose by actually feeling it shift around the inside of its container while shaking, after the compacted mass is loosened.

Let's hope we never have to use our FE's.

[crabber5]

Dave,

Glad things went well and you are safe. A little swim this time of year may not be much fun.
Let me get right to the point. Polecat is correct all extinguishers that are mounted in boats vehicles or any thing else that moves and vibrates will compact the dry chemical or powder. Every few weeks the unit should be turned upside down and tapped. The agent should flow like flour. You should also inspect them monthly looking at the guage, pin and overall condition.

Every time you use an extinguisher use the word PASS, Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the trigger as hard as you can and Sweep the nozzle in a gentle back and forth motion.

When I teach extinguishers especially to new folks, I always hear Wow that's not easy or I didn't expect that etc. My point is everyone should use one and try it so you are better prepared if you ever really need it.

A simple way to remember the classes of fire are:

Class A - ordinary combustibles, like paper, wood, trash, clothing = leaves an ASH
Class B - Flammable liquids, grease, gas, oil, thinner, paints = they come in a BARREL
Class C - Electrical = CURRENT
Class D- Combustible metals - DAMM HOT

I would also encourage everyone to have a emergency escape plan and practice it. Smoke detectors and CO mmonitors are also a plus

Prevention and knowlegde can save you and your family.

Have a safe one
Scott

[h2oboss]

If had run your line with the wind you coulda smelled the gas :cool2:

Cheap lesson, glad it worked out. Any crabs?

I always try to have a few of those zip ties in a little emergency kit and tools

[Jimmy Kipper]

Required or not, its CHEAP insurance.

JK

[ailsworthless]

scary story. fire on a boat is one of my greatest fears.

[yogi/capt.bob]

I change extinguishers every time I replace the flares. 1 by the helm, 1 on the aftdeck. Was up on lake Erie with some friends a couple of years ago-one brought along another 'friend' who I didn't know--careless with his cigs. Fortunately just smoldered. Could have been bad. At that time I'd been in the fire service 22 yrs., BUT ON THE WATER IT'S A WHOLE DIFFERENT ANIMAL!!! Be safe and Happy Holidays--

[bigmouth]

with miles of water you need a fire extinguish er