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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

fire extinguisher

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johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/08/2005 : 02:55:25

Where is a good location for mounting a fire extinguisher?
What kind does everyone use?
paulj

Edited by - on

Jeff McK
Captain

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USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2005 : 08:39:20

Paul,

USCG requires at least one "B-1" Tri-class (ABC) extinguisher for a boat <26 feet in length. I have 2.

One is mounted by the galley on the panel facing the aft berth area. EDIT: THIS LOCATION FORCES YOU TO HEAD FOR THE COMPANIONWAY (AND ESCAPE) & ALSO GET TO THE PROPANE CUTOFF SWITCH IN THE EVENT OF A GALLEY FIRE.

The other is kept in the port lazarette during sailing season so it's readily available.

I also take it with me during refueling. Paranoid? Maybe, but I've seen what happens when you get a fuel fire on a dock.

Edited by - Jeff McK on 02/08/2005 09:02:57

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2005 : 08:52:53

Mounting choices go up if an extinguisher is chosen that has a metal mounting bracket...the plastic ones are in my opinion not suitable for under mounting.

Mine is mounted horizontally on the ceiling of the aft berth just to the right of the companionway steps.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2005 : 08:55:36

Paul,

You should only be carrying Coast Guard approved B-I or B-II hand-portable fire extinguishers on your boat. These are approved for flammable liquid fires which commonly occur on boats. Boats under 26 feet must carry at least one unless you have an outboard with portable fuel tank, do not carry passengers for hire, and does not have any spaces capable of trapping flammable gas or vapors.Generally the caveat fits the Catalina 25 with ouboard propulsion. However, The rules go on to state that itf your vessel has double botoms not sealed to the hull (hull liner), closed compartments under thwarts or seats, closed living spaces or storage compartments must have a fire extinguisher.

I carry one B-1 extinguisher near, but not too close to, the stove where I can reach it quickley. Now that I am cruising more and using my outboard more often, I am putting an addtional type B-I in the cockpit in case of an engine fire. I probably should have done this from the beginning because I used my stove very little over the years. At any rate, I believe most will agree that two should be the correct number for your C25.

Check your Coast Guard and State marine safety regulations for more details on fire extinguishers. Better yet, take a Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary Seamanship Course. They cover everything you need to know extensively.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - on

frankr
Captain

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256 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2005 : 11:16:11

I mounted mine inside the starboard companionway wall within reach of the stove from the inside and an easy reach from outside the cockpit.

Edited by - on

fredflemming
1st Mate

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USA
29 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2005 : 13:06:05

I mounted the fire extinguisher to the wall of the head at the base of the companionway. It's close but not too close to the stove (opposite side of the boat) and convenient to grab while exiting the cabin. For an engine fire, I guess having one in the cockpit would be better but then the extinguisher would be exposed to a lot of weather.

I inspect mine every year at launching time, looking for signs of damage or corrosion and checking that the gauge still shows a proper charge. No problems after 10 years.

Edited by - on

Jeff McK
Captain

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USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2005 : 15:12:18

Friendly reminder: Don't forget to take them off the mounting bracket a couple of times a year & give them a decent shaking. This loosens up the powder which tends to cake if left alone too long.

This is something you should also do to any extinguishers at home.

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 02/10/2005 : 21:27:45

Your exactly right Jeff. Thankx for the reminder.

And along other SAFETY issues...
I labeled the PUMP just in case I happen to be incapacitated and the ship is going down. Notice the handle is tethered right there also. (sorry about the shadows)

Edited by - on

Jeff McK
Captain

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USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2005 : 22:33:06

Ben,

Labeling the lazarette & pump cover is a terrific idea!!

Something else to do when it gets warm.

Edited by - on

johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Response Posted - 02/11/2005 : 23:44:36

Ben
So that is what the cord on the pump handle is for.
I have never taken the tape off my handle which holds the wraped cord.
Interesting what we pick out in photos.
paulj

Edited by - johnsonp on 02/12/2005 12:33:20

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2005 : 08:38:55

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Jeff McK
 Friendly reminder: Don't forget to take them off the mounting bracket a couple of times a year & give them a decent shaking. This loosens up the powder which tends to cake if left alone too long.

This is something you should also do to any extinguishers at home.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I have one like Ben's, it occurred to me when I got my boat that I wanted to replace it with Halon. Back in my SCCA days we all carried Halon. The thought of powder being blown into recesses was too disturbing. Does anyone here use Halon?
http://www.h3r.com/products/home_vehicle.htm

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2005 : 09:45:54

Frank,

I don't believe halon fire extinguishers are available any longer. They were taken off the market several years ago, I believe for environmental concerns.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2005 : 10:50:39

The site I listed sells them. They sure seem to be a good idea to me.

Edited by - on

Jeff McK
Captain

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USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2005 : 12:24:30

Al & Frank,

IMHO using Halon has a few major drawbacks on boats of our size that make it a poor choice. I base this on prior training as a firefighter.

1. It works by displacing the air (oxygen source) to smother the fire. in a closed engine compartment or locker this is great. In an open area like the cockpit or cabin this will be very ineffective as the wind will dissipate it very quickly. Also, in a confined space this is no good for things that need oxygen (YOU!)

While this very effective on electrical fires, it's not much good on fuel or class A fires in an open area.

2. The environmental issues are pretty bad. This is a flourocarbon compound & strongly frowned upon anymore. Existing systems in large ships, computer rooms & restaurants are moving away from them.

The ABC powder smothers the fire by blanketing it & cutting off the air to whatever is the fuel source of the fire. I agree the powder is nasty & a pain to clean up, but is probably the most effective overall.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2005 : 13:58:21

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Jeff McK
 Al & Frank,

IMHO using Halon has a few major drawbacks on boats of our size that make it a poor choice. I base this on prior training as a firefighter.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Thanks Jeff, I have a lot of respect for personal expertise. I will take your advise. Back in the day I would have rather suffocated than get my Alfa dirty!

Edited by - on

cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2005 : 20:47:27

The previous owner had mounted the fire extinguisher to left of the head door (just like in Ben's photo) & we've found that to be a good spot since its near the galley & easily accessable from the cockpit.

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2005 : 00:31:13

Well Jeff, I was just out there and spent the night and did not shake the extinguishers. CRS diease I guess.

Edited by - on

zebra50
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2005 : 13:10:18

OK I will add my two cents. Here is wehre I placed my extinguisher

Edited by - on

Jeff McK
Captain

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USA
389 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2005 : 18:21:51

Jay,

I've got mine in the same spot: easy to grab & forces you AWAY from the galley (most likely fire source below), towards the propane cutoff & the companionway (escape & fresh air).

Ben: Don't worry too much about CRS. Eventually it will stop being a problem. At least you are thinking about it now. Maybe next time, OK?

BTW: If your extinguishers are over 5-7 years old consider having them serviced (refilled/recharged) or replaced. I know it's BU's you'd rather use elsewhere, but sometimes they crap out with no indication something is wrong. Squeezing the handle & having nothing come out will ruin your day.

Edited by - Jeff McK on 02/13/2005 18:31:13

Capt. Kurt
Navigator

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185 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2005 : 18:21:00

Jay,
Just curious, did you add that 1" tubing or is that standard on C250WB? My C250WK does not have that, but it looks like it would make a nice handhold for getting in/out of the rear berth.
Kurt
#818 C250WK 'Tortuga'

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2005 : 19:30:11

Earlier hull numbers didn't have the electric conduit between the galley and upper liner... my guess is that is what he has added. It looks very neat... compared to my plastic conduit

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2005 : 19:58:16

My 97 WK has the same handle. Its my understanding that the propane line from the deck locker to the stove runs through it.

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2005 : 22:24:16

I envy you guys that have nothing better to do than surf the net looking for really cool logos!

BTW the conduit does not make for a good grab bar. But neither does the plastic "fiddle" around the galley top. I broke mine pulling on it. Now I want to replace them all with teak and give it a more classical look. If I could find some of those old pallets like Arlyn has...

Edited by - on

Capt. Kurt
Navigator

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185 Posts

Response Posted - 02/17/2005 : 11:40:05

"My 97 WK has the same handle. Its my understanding that the propane line from the deck locker to the stove runs through it."

Isn't that dangerous having the propane line running right next to the electrical panel?

Kurt
#818 C250WK 'Tortuga'

Edited by - Capt. Kurt on 02/18/2005 18:48:08

zebra50
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 02/23/2005 : 15:02:09

I have no idea what runs through it but it came with the boat when I bought it new. Now I will have to make a point to see what is in that tube.

Edited by - on

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