|
|
Posts: 3240
Location: Racine, Wi | So this past weekend, I had the opportunity to make sure my fire extinguisher worked. I had a couple of wires short out on my outboard and start on fire. After trimming the motor out of the water (did you know flames can and do burn under water) I grabbed the fire extinguisher and put out the flames before (I think) they could get into the inside of the motor. I don't think I had any under deck damage, but it was a pretty freaky situation. I ended up unplugging the battery terminals and everything that was on the battery figuring that was feeding the problem. In the end, all turned out well. No one was hurt, but my boat is now in the shop. DOH!!!
This all got me to thinking, how prepared are you for an emergancy with the boat itself? I know there are some people on this board that deal with emergencies on a regular basis. Who all has some pointers for not only preventing, but dealing with on the water boating emergencies.
By the way, it is a GOOD idea to make sure your fire extinguisher is functional.  |
|
| |
|
Posts: 255
| Stay Calm |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1529
| great topic.
its always overlooked in a hurry to get fishing. . guys if you can you can as a group get courtesy coast gaurd inspections. ya get a cool sticker to boot. trying to swim in cold waters no fun at 10pm. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 55
Location: SW Michigan | I fish Lake Michigan a lot. You've got to have a back up for everything out there. Like the boy scouts say, "Be prepared". Know what to do before something happens, not try to figure it out while it's happening.
Emergencies I've had on the water include: Fire, loss of electrical power, loss of main engine, man over board, loss of navigation (GPS), taking on water, loss of communications (radio) & caught in an electrical storm.
Have a back up for EVERYTHING.
All coast guard required safety equip. (of course).
Fire- extinguishers, bucket
Electrical- fuses, batteries, tape, test light, spare Nav. lights etc..
Main engine- Tools, plugs, fuel, oil & a kicker, long rope & anchor, trolling sock (sea anchor)......
Man over board: PFD, throwable, rope & ladder......
Navigation- Hand held GPS, compass, map......
Taking on water- extra plug, bucket (again), hand bilge pump........
Communication- Cell phone in a Zip Lock, portable radio.......
Storm (perfect?)- I've got a complete canvas cover for my open bow, & top, radio weather band ,
don't be dumb like me and take a chance on "iffy" weather. Nearly paid dearly for that one.
In the immortal words of Gordon Lightfoot, "Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours"?
Edited by toothn'nail 4/15/2008 8:22 AM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 177
Location: Cohasset, MN | If the console is on fire and your buddy throws the fire extinguisher in the lake (accidentally, I hope) you can use the cooler as a bucket. Yes, this happened - ignition switch shorted somehow. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 305
Location: Illinois | I think you did a darn good job under the circumstances. Your extinguisher was easily within reach and functional.
I ran into Tuffy1 on Saturday at the launch as he was limping in. He told me of the fire, how it went down etc. It sounded really bad and I was truthfully just thankful it turned out as well as it did. I asked how long it took him to get back from lake x to lake y? and he said "I don't really know, we fished a couple spots on the way back". Classic
Edited by husky_jerk 4/15/2008 3:08 PM
|
|
| |
|
| good thing the DNR test if fire extinguishers work......dooo |
|
| |
|
Posts: 134
| It was mentioned earlier but could stand to be said again; all the above items are needed , the one most boats don't have is a ladder. You might think you can get back in the boat if you fall overboard but it can be very hard, and it's hard to pull someone back in. It's even harder if someone is injured, a ladder is very helpful and may save someone's life.
Joe W |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | Ok I have to post this....make sure your bilge pump is always operable. Not a bad idea to have 2 and an extra cartridge motor. I learned the hard way last year. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 956
Location: Home of the 2016 World Series Champion Cubs | Coast guard Auxilliary or Power Squdron Boating Safety Classes!!!!!!!
Cant beat em.
Electrical fire WILL burn in on/under/water that would be a class C fire. Most boats are only required to have a Class B extinguisher. A class B extinguisher wont work on on a class C fire. The courtesy vessel exams only inspect/address the bare minimum of of required equirement. What the class will teach you is take the extra caution and have a class C on board and know when to use it. It does nothing for the half witts operating most boats. What they would recommend during the inspections is to participate in the classes so as to educate the Boaters AND Passengers.
Might look like Ive been drinking the Coast Guard Cool-Aide BUT every boater WOULD benefit form what they have to offer. Look for a class in your area.
Karl |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1455
Location: Kronenwetter, WI | Boat plug. Absence of one is not good. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 294
Location: Bloomer, Wi | Last summer a friend and I were on a local lake when he noticed this boat 150 yards away was on fire, well there motor anyway so we buzzed over there to find that my fire extinguisher didnt work. Luckily it was just a small boat with a small outboard the kid ended up un screwwing the bolts and flipped the 9 horse into the water. I wonder if he ever went back for the motor. |
|
| |
