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stats on vintage gas inboard boats igniting

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by 993RSR, Jun 12, 2020.

  1. 993RSR, Jun 12, 2020
    #1
    993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    Every spring there are many incidents of inboard gas boats built in the '70's and '80's leaving a fuel dock and igniting due to leaking aluminum tanks.
    I have some data but does anyone have a source strictly from gas tank failure and not other fuel system issues?
  2. Capt J, Jun 12, 2020
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I don't think this data exists. Also, if a gas boat explodes from a fuel issue, well, there usually isn't enough remains to pinpoint exactly where it came from.
  3. Pascal, Jun 12, 2020
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Whether the tank or a leaky hose caused the leak doesn’t matter.

    if every gas boat had a working gas fumes detector, and of people use a little common sense it wouldn’t happen

    a leak alone will not cause the boat to go kaboom. It takes a spark which shouldn’t happen if the boat was maintained using marine parts. And common sense.
  4. C team, Jun 12, 2020
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    C team

    C team Senior Member

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    What Pascal said!
  5. 993RSR, Jun 12, 2020
    #5
    993RSR

    993RSR Senior Member

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    So the old Wellcraft S/F has a leaky aluminum fuel tank. Drip, drip, drip...
    While the boat sits in the slip building up gas fumes in the bilges the battery charger kicks on and ignites the fumes.
    That is my theory for explaining the boat fires while unattended.
    Not necessarily true but a possible
  6. Capt J, Jun 12, 2020
    #6
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Bilge pump is another likely culprit. Someone has to hear the gas fumes detector's alarm in order to do anything about the leak. If it's a boat sitting in a slip, well.......
  7. Capt Ralph, Jun 12, 2020
    #7
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    The safety foundation at BoatUS used to track this stuff. Tap on them.
  8. Pascal, Jun 12, 2020
    #8
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    All marine electrical devices are ignition proof. A marine charger or a bilge pump should not cause an electrical explosion. It s the second safety layer.

    Fumes detectors are pretty loud and anybody close to the boat would hear the alarm and should alert marina office
  9. Capt Ralph, Jun 12, 2020
    #9
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    The big bang usually comes from Loose battery cables that spark.

    Next issue is when some SFB puts on an automotive starter, alternator or distributor.
    BuBa just does not understand why marine parts like these cost extra and thinks he found a deal.

    KaBoom

    !cid_D67BCD71C9AA4BD0B39DAFAB273D895D@DESKTOPA25L25J.jpg
  10. Capt J, Jun 12, 2020
    #10
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Should and is, are two entirely different things. I cannot tell you how many suspect electrical connections I've seen on gas inboard boats over the years. Owners think nothing of using electrical tape, automotive butt connectors and everything in between on bilge pump connections, battery chargers, and Lord knows what else.
  11. Pascal, Jun 12, 2020
    #11
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I know... that was my point. Another flaw of the current boating certification... almost zero mention of the risk

    and I can’t understand why the auxiliary passes boats for VSC without a fumes detector
  12. Capt Ralph, Jun 12, 2020
    #12
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Not any room left for another DA Sticker. As if Buba can read.
  13. cleanslate, Jun 12, 2020
    #13
    cleanslate

    cleanslate Senior Member

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    Drip , drip , drip ... is at least a year of warning to the owner and or the boat yard that there is a big problem .
    It should never get that far ... To a 12 V bells pump or whatever to set off the fumes.
    Shame on the boat yard ... they should pick up on the problem right away.
    In order to prevent an explosion.

    I am always amazed at the lack of due diligence and care about boat yards And marinas. in general , many of them just don’t give a crap about the condition of a boat in their yard.
    This is preventable before the drip , drip from the fuel tank... people turn and look the other way at times .
  14. Capt Ralph, Jun 12, 2020
    #14
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Think of it as a great Darwin test. Who survives may be the smarter.
    So, if you smell gas, run, run, run. You just may survive and pass the Darwin award this week.
  15. Capt Ralph, Jun 12, 2020
    #15
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    By some means, I have not quite captured or understand the original post or topic.
    Something about dumb shits blowing up a perfectly good vintage gas boats????
    With some open minds and safe thoughts, There is NO REASON FOR A GAS BOAT TO BLOW UP.
    If I remember, the very first sticker under the key switch read " run blower 5 minutes before starting"..
    Oh, Ah, I forgot,, Buba may not take notice or able to read.
    Again, the Darwin effect. Some day we will be safe at the boat ramps. Some day.....
  16. NYCAP123, Jun 13, 2020
    #16
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Can't believe it took all day for someone to come up with this. It's the cause in almost all gas boats going BOOM, especially in the spring when people have spent the winter just gassing their cars and going and they now want to get on the bay. Use your blowers when fueling, after and quite frankly whenever you're running. As for what would ignite? Batteries, starters, frayed ignition wires, someone turning on a light, etc. There's no shortage of sources. Get rid of the fumes.
    Btw, spring is also a good time to get into the habit of watching whoever fuels your boat. I seen them stick the nozzle into rod holders, water tanks and holding tanks. And make sure their putting gas in a gas boat and diesel into a diesel.