Because boat engines may backfire,
all powerboats (except outboards) that are fueled with gasoline
must have an approved backfire flame arrestor on each carburetor. Backfire flame arrestors are designed to prevent the ignition of gasoline vapors in case the engine backfires.
Which is an acceptable means of backfire flame control on a boat?
The BFA must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved or should comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards and should be marked as so.
Air and fuel induction systems
which are usually found on personal watercraft, velocity stacks and reed-type devices are also acceptable means of backfire flame control.
What is required to have a back flame arrestor?
Backfire flame arrestors are mandatory on
motorboats fueled with gasoline (except those with outboard engines)
, and should be U.S. Coast Guard approved. The Society of American Engineers and/or United Laboratories must also approve a backfire flame arrestor.
When should the blower be operated on a boat?
If your boat is equipped with a power ventilation system (exhaust blower), turn it on for
at least four minutes before starting your engine
. This will help eliminate fuel vapors in the bilge. Before starting the engine, sniff the bilge and engine compartment for fuel vapors.
When should backfire flame arrestors be inspected?
This device is designed to stop the flames that could potentially result from an engine backfire from coming into contact with fuel and starting a fire. A
monthly inspection
of your backfire arrestor should be performed to ensure that it remains damage-free and that it is still tightly fastened to the carburetor.
How does a backfire flame arrestor work?
As the name suggests, the purpose of a boat backfire flame arrestor is
to stop flames, which can result from an engine backfiring, from coming into contact with other fuel and starting a fire on board your boat
. To do this important job, the backfire flame arrestor needs to be in good condition.
Why should a boats gas tank never be completely filled?
It’s important to never fill the tank of your boat beyond
90% full
. This leaves room for gas to expand and avoids the potential for overflow. Ensure that all air vents and valves to the gas tank are open.
Do you leave the blower on a boat?
It is a
good idea to leave the blower running for a little while more
. Doing so will protect your boat from damage, and might even save your life in the process. When you spill some fuel inside the bilge, it will continue to emit flammable vapors inside the bilge.
What is a backfire flame control?
Backfire flame control devices are
designed to prevent open flame from leaving the carburetion system in the event of a backfire
. Vessels equipped with gasoline engines, except outboard motors, must have one of the following backfire flame control devices installed on the engine.
How many minutes should a blower be operated?
DANGER: To prevent a possible explosion, operate the blower for
at least four (4) minutes
before starting the engine and always when at idle or slow running speed. Explosive gasoline and/or battery fumes may be present in the engine compartment.
Why do boats explode after refueling?
Why do boats explode? Any watercraft with an inboard gasoline engine has a very real potential to explode. This is largely due to
the buildup of gas fumes within a confined space
, such as the bilge or an engine compartment. These gas fumes could possibly ignite and quickly spread, ultimately leading to an explosion.
What causes a boat to explode after refueling?
For boats with inboard gasoline engines,
fuel vapor build-up
is one of the most common causes of fire or explosion. … The leaked fuel and fumes can build up in the engine compartment, mixing with freshwater or seawater in a boat’s bilge, creating a situation that could be disastrous once a figurative match is lit.
How often should flame arrestors be inspected on a boat?
How often should backfire flame arrestors be inspected?
Monthly
.
How often should flame arrestors be checked?
Guidance on Inspection Intervals
A first inspection 3 months following commissioning
.
An annual inspection is recommended
as a minimum even for “clean” processes. An inspection if there is any evidence of an explosion.
