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marine fire extinguishers comparison, in stock
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How to choose a boat fire extinguisher
Three fires are most likely on a boat: the engine and its compartment, the galley and the electrical system. Each calls for a different agent, so choose deliberately instead of buying the cheapest one that meets the rules.
Fire classes
- Class A: ordinary solids like wood, cloth, line and cushions.
- Class B: flammable liquids such as gasoline, diesel, oil and solvents. This is the main class for boats.
- Class C: energized electrical equipment in the US system.
In the United States, boat extinguishers are rated by the Coast Guard as Type B-I (smaller, hand-portable) or Type B-II (larger). Look for a label that reads "Marine Type USCG Approved" and a rating such as 5-B:C or 10-B:C.
Extinguisher agents
| Agent | Fights | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry chemical (ABC) | A, B and C | Very versatile and affordable; knocks flames down fast | Messy and can harm electronics; cuts visibility and is hard to breathe in a cabin |
| Carbon dioxide (CO2) | B and C | No residue; suited to panels and engine spaces | Little cooling; displaces oxygen in closed spaces |
| Clean agent (halon substitute) | B and C, depending on model | No residue and very clean | Costlier; check the maker and the real rating |
For most recreational boats, a dry chemical extinguisher is the usual starting point, added to by CO2 or a fixed automatic system in the engine space on larger boats. A fire blanket near the galley rounds out the kit.
How many, and what size
Federal rules (33 CFR 175) set the number and class by boat length. As a general guide for recreational boats:
| Boat length | No fixed system |
|---|---|
| Under 26 ft (8 m) | At least one B-I |
| 26 ft to under 40 ft (8-12 m) | Two B-I, or one B-II |
| 40 ft to 65 ft (12-20 m) | Three B-I, or one B-II plus one B-I |
A fixed fire-extinguishing system in the machinery space reduces the number required, and some small open outboard boats are exempt. Rules and exceptions change, so check the current regulation, your state requirements and your insurer, and treat the numbers above as a minimum, not a goal.
Warning: a household extinguisher without a marine bracket rusts quickly aboard. If yours is corroded, dented or has a broken seal, replace it.
Where to mount them
The best extinguisher is the one you can reach without crossing the fire. Think about exits, and do not stow it in a closed locker.
- Near the main companionway or exit from the cabin, at hand height.
- Beside the galley, but never directly above the stove, so you can grab it even if the burners are on fire.
- Near the helm or engine compartment, reachable from outside.
- In each sleeping cabin on larger boats.
If your engine sits in a closed space, ideally add a discharge port so you can put out a fire without opening the hatch, which would feed it with air.
How to use it and how to maintain it
Basic technique: PASS
- Pull the pin.
- Aim at the base of the flames, not the top.
- Squeeze the handle.
- Sweep from side to side until the fire is out, keeping a safe distance and your exit behind you.
Tip: if the fire does not respond within seconds or the space fills with smoke, get out, call for help on VHF channel 16 and prepare to abandon ship. Your life is worth more than the boat.
Inspection
- Every outing: check that the gauge is in the green, the seal is intact and the extinguisher is secure in its bracket.
- Monthly: on dry chemical units, turn it upside down and tap the base to keep the powder from packing.
- Yearly: have a qualified technician inspect it, and service or replace as needed. Follow the label and local rules.
Common mistakes
- Mounting the extinguisher inside the engine compartment, where heat and damp ruin it and you cannot reach it if there is a fire.
- Relying on a single unit on a boat with an engine, a galley and several cabins.
- Ignoring the gauge or the date of the last inspection.
- Throwing water on oil or electrical fires.
- Not showing the crew where the extinguishers are and how they work.
Extinguishers are part of your safety gear. Combine them with a well-stocked marine first aid kit and a waterproof flashlight so you can act at night.
Frequently asked questions
Which extinguisher is best for a boat: dry chemical or CO2?
Dry chemical (ABC) is the most versatile and the most common aboard recreational boats, although it is messy. CO2 is a good choice for electrical panels and engine spaces. Whatever you choose, look for a USCG-approved marine label.
How many extinguishers must my boat carry?
It depends on boat length and whether you have a fixed system. As a general guide, under 26 ft needs one B-I, 26 to 40 ft needs two B-I or one B-II. Check current federal and state rules and treat them as a minimum.
How often should I inspect a marine fire extinguisher?
Check the gauge, seal and bracket before every outing and have it inspected by a qualified technician at the intervals the label and local rules require. Replace it if the gauge is not in the green.
Where should I mount a fire extinguisher on a boat?
In a visible, reachable spot near exits, the galley and the engine compartment, but away from where a fire is likely to start, using a firm bracket rated for damp conditions.
