Boat Explodes at the Island!!

kenmyfam

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: Boat Explodes at the Island!!

Lesson learned for someone there. Fortunate the injuries were not worse and nobody died.
 
mphy98

mphy98

Lieutenant
Joined
Oct 20, 2008
Messages
1,422
Re: Boat Explodes at the Island!!

This is a reason that they put fans in the bilge area, always run them if you have something running
 
angus63

angus63

Captain
Joined
May 20, 2002
Messages
3,726
Re: Boat Explodes at the Island!!

And always run them BEFORE you start something up.
 
fixb52s

fixb52s

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 14, 2004
Messages
463
Re: Boat Explodes at the Island!!

I am no expert on Sea Rays, but does anyone know here if these blowers are suppose to come on automatically when the generator is running or does it have to be switched on manually? The gentleman who owned the boat is listed in the news as an experienced person.

I was out to the island yesterday and saw the results of the carnage. There was burned fiberglass, wood, a galley with an fridge, and other things left over from the explosion. Seeing chared life vests, playing cards, first aid kits and coolers really brought out the human side of it. The sad part was seeing chared foil "Happy Birthday" balloons not only on the island, but floating around in the bay. I was going to take photos, but something inside of me said no, let it be.

I hope all these people recover quickly.

Be safe out there fellow boaters.​
 
E

Edko

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
247
Re: Boat Explodes at the Island!!

This got me thinking (which usually causes intense pain). When I bought my 21' I/O w/ a 305 (1991, used), it had 1 blower and 1 intake hose. I know it probably can't hurt to add a 2nd blower, but is there standard for the number of blowers a boat should have related to boat size, or engine size, or # of gas tanks, etc?
 
angus63

angus63

Captain
Joined
May 20, 2002
Messages
3,726
Re: Boat Explodes at the Island!!

It is a function of the volume of space below decks and the capacity of the blower, and how often you wish to turn over the air in enclosed space. Just for giggles - if the space below deck is 1000 cubic feet, and your blower moves 500 cubic feet per minute, you would want to run the blower 3 minutes (150%) prior to lighting off. Best to open a hatch and use the probiscus before doing anything onboard too.
 
C

Cptkid570

Ensign
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
967
Re: Boat Explodes at the Island!!

I spend a lot of time at Beer Can Island myself. I was actually out in the bay when this happened. I was about 7 miles away and could really see the smoke.

What a shame. I stopped by there later in the day and saw the burnt kids life jackets lying on the beach. That was really sad to see.

It will be interesting to see what the investigators come up with.

It's a little odd that they haven't release the injuries. I don't want to know out of a morbid curiousity, but just to make sure everyone is going to be ok.

I heard that one guy may lose a foot??
 
Blue Crabber

Blue Crabber

Ensign
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Messages
966
Re: Boat Explodes at the Island!!

Man, what a horrible story. I sure hope that everyone will be ok. Getting burned is just aweful. The pain this family most be going through, both physically and emotionally most be over bearing.

I am curious what the investagation results will be. I always double check that my blower is actually running and moving air out of the bilge when the switch is on. Maybe I can learn even more from this investagation.

Again, my heart and prayers go out to this family.
 
E

Edko

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
247
Re: Boat Explodes at the Island!!

Thanks Angus, I should have known that answer, but it's just too logical for my brain to think of. And yeah, the old lift and smell test is something my grandfather passed down to me. I always do it.

Much appreciated. :D
 
C

Cptkid570

Ensign
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
967
Re: Boat Explodes at the Island!!

Funny you mention the "lift and smell".. I do that constantly!
 
K

kamby

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 30, 2008
Messages
336
Re: Boat Explodes at the Island!!

Wow, its always sad to here these kinds of things, my thoughts and prayers to the family.

I kinda got a kick on the website that had the story how fast people were to blame ethanol. Im no mechanic but wasnt the fuel lines/gen lines in that boat supposed to be ethanol rated?

Reminds me i need to check my blower, it has been making some god awful noises last year (bearing failure?). But i always do the "lift and sniff" out of habit anyway plus it lets me check for some sour gas. I thought about installing an air scoup on the top of the dog house to get some fresh air into it.
 
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