Novec Fire Suppression in Bilge?

[Welti]

I have a permanently installed metal gas tank and fuel filter in my 25' sailboat, with outboard motor. Of course, always concerned about gasoline fires. I am wondering if something like the Novec 1230 system would be good to install in the bilge? It does say it is approved for Type B fires.

[SailingHarmonie]

The problem with gasoline is that it does not very often "catch fire" and burn.

The more likely disaster scenario is not a fire of liquid gasoline, but an explosion of gasoline vapor mixed with air for which any normal fire suppression system is useless.

I think you would be better off spending the money on upgrading the forced ventilation system and making sure the system is 100% leak tight.

[Welti]

Good point I suppose. I actually AM trying to put in a blower already. Issue right now it where to put the exhaust vent. It is a smallish boat and access is only possible in certain areas. Some surfaces that I might think of putting a louvered vent in are curved as well, so I have not yet decided where to put it. There are several places I could vent into the cockpit area but is that weird?

Originally Posted by SailingHarmonie

The problem with gasoline is that it does not very often "catch fire" and burn.

The more likely disaster scenario is not a fire of liquid gasoline, but an explosion of gasoline vapor mixed with air for which any normal fire suppression system is useless.

I think you would be better off spending the money on upgrading the forced ventilation system and making sure the system is 100% leak tight.

[psk125]

Venting into the cockpit is probably not a good idea. The fumes/gases could end up in the bilge and... BOOM. Where is the tank? Can you lead the exhaust out to the transom underneath the starboard quarterberth?

[Welti]

The transom was also my first and obvious thought. Due to the design, parts of it are not accessible from inside the bilge. ...or to close to the water, or right where the ship name goes. I have an outboard to that also takes up some of the rom on the transom. Not a lot of real estate available. Before you ask, no room for traditional scoops on the top of the transom. It is only around 2" across (front to back I mean).

Originally Posted by psk125

Venting into the cockpit is probably not a good idea. The fumes/gases could end up in the bilge and... BOOM. Where is the tank? Can you lead the exhaust out to the transom underneath the starboard quarterberth?

[Grattaway]

Personally I would also install a detector -propane/hydrocarbon ones are available
not the cheapest but nor is a fuel fire/explosion

[Welti]

Yes, I think I will. They are around $200, cheap insurance.

Originally Posted by Grattaway

Personally I would also install a detector -propane/hydrocarbon ones are available
not the cheapest but nor is a fuel fire/explosion