By Matt Claiborne
This cause accounts for a whopping 39% of fires (31% DC electrical, 8% AC electrical)
16% of fires start outside of the boat—like from the dock or a neighboring docked boat
Engine fires make up 15 percent of overall causes for boat fires
01.
When buying fire extinguishers for your boat, ensure they are US Coast Guard approved. The requirements vary by boat size: under 26 feet, one two-pound portable extinguisher (or none with a mounted system); 26 to 40 feet, two two-pound or one 2.5-pound extinguisher (fewer with a mounted system); and over 40 but under 65 feet, three two-pound or one two-pound and one 2.5-pound extinguisher (with a mounted system reducing the need for a two-pound unit).
02..
You should always start with an evacuation plan, and if things get out of hand, you need to get off the boat.