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Author Topic:   Choice of a new fire extinguisher

onlyawhaler posted 03-06-2011 06:36 PM ET (US)
Its time to change out my fire extinguisher on my outrage. I was suprised to see it was original with the boat, a 1999. Geeze. I should have been on this before now.
Any advice on a type of extinguisher? It came from Whaler with a dry chemical type. I am guessing it is the white powder, make a big mess type.
Are the hylon types better for boats which would probably a gasoline or electrical fire? They are less messy for sure.
Thanks for any feedback.
Onlyawhaler
contender posted 03-06-2011 07:18 PM ET (US)
If your boat catches fire you have a lot more of a problem than cleaning up the mess, I would purchase one that meets the coast guard standards, make sure it is in date, and be done with it... The problem is once the fiberglass catches fire you need foam to put it out. Also fiberglass and the core form is very toxic when it burns, You need to be able to put out a boat fire right away otherwise its best to get away from the boat...Good luck
Tom W Clark posted 03-06-2011 07:30 PM ET (US)
Sterling -- Just get a B/C dry fire extinguisher. They are inexpensive and safe.
I would not want Halon on my boat.
A little more info:
http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/060199tip3.htm
Jefecinco posted 03-06-2011 07:34 PM ET (US)
I believe halon extinguishers are the best for recreational boats. They have an indefinite shelf life and are very effective at extinguishing gasoline fueled fires. IMO, two are better than one. A dry chemical extinguisher may be required on board for the purpose of passing a USCG inspection. Therefore on a good day you would have two halon and one dry chemical extinguisher on board.
A benefit of having the ubiquitous dry chemical extinguisher aboard other than meeting USCG regulations is that if some fire remains after discharging the halon extinguishers the dry chemical should be able to finish the job.
Butch
frontier posted 03-06-2011 07:41 PM ET (US)
I agree with TWC. Go with a BC.
WalMart has the Kidde Marinier 5 BC rated fire extinguisher with bracket on clearance now for $9.00.
That is a good deal.
onlyawhaler posted 03-06-2011 10:10 PM ET (US)
Great information, thanks for the answers. Ice off is coming and its time to get ready. I am going to get several, have a couple of back ups. I have never had a accident, but I have been on loading ramps where others could use a hand.
Thanks
Sterling
Onlyawhaler
daveweight posted 03-07-2011 02:30 AM ET (US)
Hi all
Halon is no longer legal for sale in the UK and the way I read Tom Clarks link shows it as being not available since 2000 in the US, it is also entirely unsuitable for any sort of fire in an open location as it vanishes too quickly and has no cooling effect on the seat of the fire and so the fire will just re ignite when the gas dissipates. It can also produce dangerous by products which if breathed in can be dangerous.
Dave Weight
modenacart posted 03-07-2011 04:49 PM ET (US)
New halon cannot be made but existing stock can be sold.
I would get one with a medal head, they hold pressure better. The cheap plastic ones tend to bleed off over time.

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Author	Topic: Choice of a new fire extinguisher
onlyawhaler	posted 03-06-2011 06:36 PM ET (US) Its time to change out my fire extinguisher on my outrage. I was suprised to see it was original with the boat, a 1999. Geeze. I should have been on this before now. Any advice on a type of extinguisher? It came from Whaler with a dry chemical type. I am guessing it is the white powder, make a big mess type. Are the hylon types better for boats which would probably a gasoline or electrical fire? They are less messy for sure. Thanks for any feedback. Onlyawhaler
contender	posted 03-06-2011 07:18 PM ET (US) If your boat catches fire you have a lot more of a problem than cleaning up the mess, I would purchase one that meets the coast guard standards, make sure it is in date, and be done with it... The problem is once the fiberglass catches fire you need foam to put it out. Also fiberglass and the core form is very toxic when it burns, You need to be able to put out a boat fire right away otherwise its best to get away from the boat...Good luck
Tom W Clark	posted 03-06-2011 07:30 PM ET (US) Sterling -- Just get a B/C dry fire extinguisher. They are inexpensive and safe. I would not want Halon on my boat. A little more info: http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/060199tip3.htm
Jefecinco	posted 03-06-2011 07:34 PM ET (US) I believe halon extinguishers are the best for recreational boats. They have an indefinite shelf life and are very effective at extinguishing gasoline fueled fires. IMO, two are better than one. A dry chemical extinguisher may be required on board for the purpose of passing a USCG inspection. Therefore on a good day you would have two halon and one dry chemical extinguisher on board. A benefit of having the ubiquitous dry chemical extinguisher aboard other than meeting USCG regulations is that if some fire remains after discharging the halon extinguishers the dry chemical should be able to finish the job. Butch
frontier	posted 03-06-2011 07:41 PM ET (US) I agree with TWC. Go with a BC. WalMart has the Kidde Marinier 5 BC rated fire extinguisher with bracket on clearance now for $9.00. That is a good deal.
onlyawhaler	posted 03-06-2011 10:10 PM ET (US) Great information, thanks for the answers. Ice off is coming and its time to get ready. I am going to get several, have a couple of back ups. I have never had a accident, but I have been on loading ramps where others could use a hand. Thanks Sterling Onlyawhaler
daveweight	posted 03-07-2011 02:30 AM ET (US) Hi all Halon is no longer legal for sale in the UK and the way I read Tom Clarks link shows it as being not available since 2000 in the US, it is also entirely unsuitable for any sort of fire in an open location as it vanishes too quickly and has no cooling effect on the seat of the fire and so the fire will just re ignite when the gas dissipates. It can also produce dangerous by products which if breathed in can be dangerous. Dave Weight
modenacart	posted 03-07-2011 04:49 PM ET (US) New halon cannot be made but existing stock can be sold. I would get one with a medal head, they hold pressure better. The cheap plastic ones tend to bleed off over time.