Fire Port to engine comoartment

[dmksails]

I recently had my Tashiba-31 sailboat surveyed and one item that the surveyor said was required was a fire port. (See pic). I have two panels that provide good access to the engine - why would I need a third? The compartment isn’t exactly air tight, so flar-ups shouldn’t be an issue.

I got to thinking about this because the only places I can think to install the Port would be on one of the two removable panels.

Suggestions?

[dougweibel]

Installing in a removable panel is fine, fairly normal actually.

The general idea is that if you open a panel you let in a lot more air as well as potentially letting flames out onto your body. With a port you can just jam the nozzle of the extinguisher in and fire it into the engine compartment. You can't direct the retardant but it should swirl around in there and knock the fire down. You can open the panel to follow up afterwards when the risk is lower.

[tkeithlu]

Yes, you want a fire port. You want to be able to stick the nozzle of your fire extinguisher in a hole and let fly in your engine compartment. You do not want to open a panel. It's simple, whether you install the one in your picture or design your own. Mine are in the floor above the engine room, have little red plugs with handles, and fit a big Halon extinguisher.

The central problem is that an engine compartment fire, particularly with fiberglass resin involved, is very fast and very dangerous, and letting air in by opening a compartment door could be your last move.

Sounds like a short task some afternoon.

[Dsanduril]

If you install one, grab your fire extinguisher and hold it to the proposed location before you cut. Then imagine trying to do the same in a moment of stress. Choose a location for the port that is easiest to approach and shove the nozzle/hose into the port. Have seen several installations that there is no way to get the extinguisher into.

Check your extinguisher instructions. Does it say "hold upright"? Take that into account.

For the OP, looking at the pictures, how about the vertical wall between the two steps? Looks (from the photos) like that might be slightly more accessible than either of the removable panels.

[bstreep]

Originally Posted by Dsanduril

If you install one, grab your fire extinguisher and hold it to the proposed location before you cut. Then imagine trying to do the same in a moment of stress. Choose a location for the port that is easiest to approach and shove the nozzle/hose into the port. Have seen several installations that there is no way to get the extinguisher into.

Check your extinguisher instructions. Does it say "hold upright"? Take that into account.

For the OP, looking at the pictures, how about the vertical wall between the two steps? Looks (from the photos) like that might be slightly more accessible than either of the removable panels.

All great points.

[davenrino]

Originally Posted by Dsanduril

For the OP, looking at the pictures, how about the vertical wall between the two steps? Looks (from the photos) like that might be slightly more accessible than either of the removable panels.

I have the pictured port sitting on my desk and plan to install it next trip to the boat right where you suggested.

[OrangeCrush]

Originally Posted by davenrino

I have the pictured port sitting on my desk and plan to install it next trip to the boat right where you suggested.

What about an automatic engine room fire extinguisher like this one?

https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=2660219

[davenrino]

Originally Posted by OrangeCrush

What about an automatic engine room fire extinguisher like this one?

https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=2660219

That looks like a great product but no one will ship it to Hawaii. West Marine
wants almost $800 for that unit and it is out of stock.