Fire Extinguisher System Co2 - Co2 comments only - other types start new thread.

[Matthewf/Norbert/TuiDog]

Co2 blanket using a 'horn"  (rose to distribute co2), remote activation. Co2 starves fire of oxygen.

I test fired this with the hatch on and off.. this cylinder was more than adequate to create very quickly a blanket through out entire boat..

"horn" (circled) was aimed at the carby area, although after testing you could just about had it anywhere, such was the capacity of this cylinder.

cost around $300
as different manufacturers use their own one off thread types you may need to have some machining done for hoses etc..
use a trigger that when you activate it, it will dump the entire cylinder automatically (give you a chance to activate then jump overboard if you have too)
you only get one chance and with the fixed horn and co2, better to dump the lot anyway..
buy the biggest cylinder you can afford.. this one 9kg i think..

you can know also buy systems with temp operated fuses to auto go off...

[wildrj]

I've used this sort of system for some time.
Saves re-building an engine after filling it with dry powder too!
Here's a couple of suggestions-
Source aluminium cylinders if possible. They're lighter and last forever. Go and see the local fire service-
they will probably have some re-tested and filled units and might be tempted to part with them for a carton of beer!
I have found the threads on the couplings vary so check your plumbing matches.
The CO2 comes through the hose very cold and fast . Rubber particles from the inside of the hose can break away and block the nozzle, so use the hose type the fire people specify.
Use Denso Cloth to protect fittings against corrosion. I've never seen these fittingsand swages in stainless.
Denso Cloth is one of my favourites- wonderful stuff!
Make sure the cylinder is away from heat. They will set themselves off if left in hot sun or in an engine box. (and frighten the living daylights out of any-one within 100 metres!)
I'd also suggest not pointing the horn directly at the block or heads to reduce the chance of cracking things.
Be careful!  CO2 can kill you.
They're also useful for chilling warm beer.

[Matthewf/Norbert/TuiDog]

I got the idea from your boat in 2000 

the hose I found was the most expensive bit  there are no shortcuts here, it must be the right and good stuff as said below. Fittings must also be the right ones or the pressure (many 1000's of psi  ) will blow them off.

The threads are generally NOT gas or BSP, but rather some abomination to force you to use OEM parts, so this makes it hard to fit a long hose as you need to source the right fittings, hence you may need to have some modified..

Well worth the effort though as I have tried to put out a fuel fire on a boat and it is not easy, the standard 1kg (or even more) is next to useless...

[rgv500]

Just A note on this one I work For Wormald here in NZ and can source the bottles and  bottle heads (for remote actuation) etc and also help out with any questions re setup.

[Matthewf/Norbert/TuiDog]

we had a fire in a J53, big fuel leak, so fire went everywhere in the bilge. At least 5 powder 1kg were used to no effect and it was not even windy!! we had to use two jet boats to drown the thing! The powder stuffed everything up too.

When it comes to fuel fires, and I am sure RGV will agree, you must have some good training which includes practical experience to put out a fuel fire, you only get one chance and putting out a fuel fire with a 1kg is a real art and requires practice.  if the fire is localised and you can get to the entire fire then you may have a chance, if it is around the bilge and spreading then best you jump overboard and ring the insurance company.
Thats why i went for the large Co2 system, pull the lever and jump overboard, the co2 will fill the entire boat no problems.

best method is prevention

[Matthewf/Norbert/TuiDog]

you cant breath co2 just like the fire, not enough oxygen, the co2 provides a blanket (or wall if you are sweeping) of co2 to exclude oxygen, they do work better in a confined space, very true

so what pressure does the engine room get to, such that it (co2?) puts out the fire... are engine rooms sealed so well they can maintain a pressure? i don't understand that theory

[wildrj]

The remotely activated CO2 into engine compartment systems are accepted by Survey Authorities here for petrol inboard commercial vessels. Used in conjunction with a remote fuel shut- off and a remote battery isolator, it is effective. Survey Authorities also require an air vent shut-off, but on a recreational boat the expansion of the CO2 as it is released would be enough to keep air from entering your engine box till it does the job. The fire services can advise the capacity of cylinder required relative to the volume of the engine compartment, but Matt, what you've got is more than adequate.