The automatic fire extinguishing system is mounted inside the
engine compartment. In the event the system’s sensor recognizes
extreme heat in the compartment, the system will create a chemi-
cally fixed dry suppression material. In most instances, there is suf-
ficient suppression material to suffocate the fire and its source. In
the event of a fire, boat operators should immediately turn OFF the
boat’s engine, which will also shut down the pressurized fuel system.
An automatic fire extinguishing system has an LED-lighted indi-
cator located adjacent to the throttle-shifter at the driver helm. As
part of the routine safety checks as the boat powers up, the operator
should verify that the extinguisher system indicator is active.
Whenever fire extinguishers or suppres
-
sion units have been used in fighting an
on-board fire, a careful determination
should be made whether it is safe to operate the boat. In most
instances, it is advisable to have the boat towed to shore rather than
risk additional fire or permanent damage to the drive train. The boat
should be thoroughly serviced by an authorized Malibu dealer prior
to operation again. Operation prior to service could result in addi
-
tional damage to the boat and may result in serious injury or death.
Following discharge of fire suppression material, the system will
require recharging. If an automatic system has discharged, it is un-
likely that the boat can be run. Malibu recommends getting a tow to
shore and having the engine compartment thoroughly cleaned and
the fire suppression system recharged prior to running the boat’s
engine again. If hand-held units have been discharged, they will also
require recharging. The chemicals in all fire suppression units can
discolor upholstery and carpeting.
It is recommended that the boat be cleaned as soon as practical.
The fire suppression manufacturers provide information regarding
SAFETY FIRST
Fire Extinguishing Equipment
Even when surrounded by water, fire is a significant concern.
In fact, because safe egress from the boat is limited if it becomes
necessary to abandon ship, this issue reinforces the need for easily
accessible PFDs.
When boating in the United States, boats of less than 26 feet in
length are required to have at least one B1-rated, hand-held fire ex-
tinguisher on-board and fully charged, unless there is an automatic
fire extinguishing system installed.
An automatic system is available
as an option on Malibu boats. Hand-held units are not included in
standard equipment so that the consumer can choose from a wide
range of fire extinguishers, many of which exceed the minimum re-
quirements.
If the boat does not have an automatic fire extinguishing
system installed, the boat owner MUST purchase and install at least
one B1-rated fire extinguisher.
Most countries have fire extinguishing and suppression require-
ments for recreational boats. It is the responsibility of the boat owner
and/or operator to determine the requirements for the body of wa-
ter on which the boating will occur. To avoid citations and/or arrest,
boaters should check with local governmental agencies regarding
specific requirements and limitations for boating on the applicable
body of water.
How It Works—89
HOW IT
WORKS
