Boat Maintenance
With regards to the boat fire at Hillaries, I am amazed that there are not more misshaps like that.
I recently brought a boat, which had electric wires hanging down every where, the fuel tank sender unit had the hole in the tank cut out too large, would never sealed (factory fit).
Silicon holding the aluminium tank down direct on the floor, so it was corroded. The only thing that stopped the fuel cooming out from holes in the bottom of the tank was the corrosion.
There was no "Goose neck" on the fuel vent so water in the fuel.
I know from experience that when things go wrong, it all happens very quickly.
I have now rewired, and installed a new fuel system. Also serviced my inflateable life jackets. Found one where the cylinder was mounted up-side down.
jersey
Posts: 393
Date Joined: 12/06/08
Think of this
I do not point any wrong at the boat owners, nor the people who re-built the motor,but,one of the biggest dangers with any,in-board motors is fumes accumulation.You have any engine box,and fuel lines,carbies,fuel filter,enclosed,before any motor is started (in-Board) a bilge blower should be operated for 5 mins,then open the hatch,for a second just to check. Another problem is that started motors that are Marinised,cost a lot more that the same Auto type from the wreckers,and both do the same job,but one has spark suppressors,the other hasn't,I have a friend who,had an engine box cover hit a person in the face what it blew,real lucky,a few burns and a wet arse,but if you ask the water cops or insurance,i think they will tell you that apart from LPG bottles on boats Fumes are a problem so what ,do you other think,jersey
kempy
Posts: 810
Date Joined: 28/05/09
a way to get round the carby
a way to get round the carby problem is have a efi engine like ours
Dinkum Auto Electrical A/C & Mechanical Unit 10/16 Kent way Malaga 0438755754 Also Mobile
Open 7 days except when we are fishn For all your auto electrical needs
Bluebonefamily
Posts: 218
Date Joined: 15/08/09
Yes fumes are a huge
Yes fumes are a huge issue. Not sure about what happened to the folks off Hillaries but fumes can be very dangerous. We have a bilge blower and a metal plate on the dash next to the switch advising its use every time prior to starting the motor.
Member of Cockburn Power Boats Association
Paul G
Posts: 5215
Date Joined: 12/12/07
Im allways on the boat (most
Im allways on the boat (most weekends) checking lights and switches making sure all things work ,clean up ,its amazing if things are left for while whithout being checked,soon start to brake or stop working . earth wire today on the anchor light had come lose,not life threatening,but none the less
Active Gyp-Rok solutions ,Residential and commercial ceilings and walls
Bluebonefamily
Posts: 218
Date Joined: 15/08/09
Yes Paul G we spend quite a
Yes Paul G we spend quite a bit of time checking equipment and making sure everything works.
We would rather find out that something is broken or tired on the trailer in the yard at home than out on the water somewhere.
Member of Cockburn Power Boats Association
jersey
Posts: 393
Date Joined: 12/06/08
Fuel Fumes
Are the problem and magnified by the inboard motor,inside a box,the fumes collect,and unless air/extraction dissipates them,the slightest spark may cause the flash,Bang.Outboards motors are not as prone to this problem,particularly those that are pre mix (fuel,oil) as this lowers the flash point a bit,I still would not risk a cigarette.No matter how many times we check our boats/motors,a leak can start at any time,not so much actual fuel,as you would smell that but fumes that are heaver and sit low in the bilge.when ever I have had an inboard I always would,run the blower,open the box and let the air circulate,Almost always I would do these things,jersey
iana
Posts: 652
Date Joined: 21/09/09
Fuel systems
I have just recently replaced all of my "built in" fuel system. I bonded all of the components with an earth wire so every part was at the same potential. Used to have to do that on aircraft fuel systems to prevent sparks from static electricity.
The fuel tank is raised off the floor area with inert nylon strips, supplied with the tank fixing down kit.