fire supression system for diesel repowers?

offshore31 · Post by **offshore31** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 3:09 am

My boat was converted diesel to gas by the prior owner many years ago. At the end of last season I decided to check out the fire system and found it had the old halong extinguishers in the engine boxes. Guess it's time for a new system. So with all of the diesel repowers going on, i was wondering what you guys were doing for fire supression? Thanks Joe

Post by **dougl33** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 3:19 am

I was planning on keeping the existing Halon system. Why are you thinking of replacing yours? Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 3:31 am

Joe, Though my boat is gas (for another month or so), the previous owner removed the factory installed halon an it had nothing when I bought her. A few years ago when I re-wired I added the Fire-Safe extinguisher between both engines and in the cockpit where the gen set is. I liked the fact that it was heat activated and didn't require any wires. It's carried in the brand stores now, but I got mine through the boat yard. I think the cost was between 500-800 for 2 canisters. If the Halon checks good I wouldn't replace it. If it needs servicing or is in-operable the go for the new system. br, John D "Lady D" Bertram 35 Pasadena MD

offshore31 · Post by **offshore31** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:25 am

Hi Guys My halon's dated 1981. I called around and no one want's to deal with it. So i figured I'd check into upgrading. If I need to replace my Halon, I'll look into the fire-safe you have John. Doug, do you know anyone up here that deals with Halon? Thanks Joe

Post by **dougl33** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 5:18 am

Unfortunately no. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 8:07 am

I am told you just need to have your halon bottle weighed... that is the only test to make sure the bottle is good.Mine are 1981 as well and i have been concerned that they are old so i will just add a second bottle in each compartment for a double up fire protection.Halon is no longer available due to ozone concerns but i am told the replacement is compatible.

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:14 pm

Last year I had my single halon cylinder system (circa 1983) inspected.. the guy said the cylinder needed to be pressure tested, so he said he removed the halon, pressure tested the cylinder, recertified it and replaced the original halon. From what I recall he said halon is available but expensive, and nobody wants to handle it. If he had found my cylinder was empty he said he would have recommended that I scrap it. Frank B - IRGuy@aol.com "Phoenix" 1983 FBC Wilmington, NC

offshore31 · Post by **offshore31** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 3:39 pm

Tim/Frank Thanks for the response. Glad to hear i'm not the only one with antiques. also glad to hear it might still be good. I'll keep calling around and see if we can check the cylinder. Thanks Joe

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 5:42 pm

Joe... I simply went to the phone book and called around to companies that dealt with commercial fire suppression systems. Found a one man extinguisher shop who was very helpful. I believe he told me not all shops have the capability to handle halon today. while he had the valve off he checked the pressure switch function my tank has.. apparently when the system discharges the switch closes, so if you have it wired to a warning light you can tell if the system is armed (no light) or discharged (warning light on). Frank B - IRGuy@aol.com "Phoenix" 1983 FBC Wilmington, NC

sbeer · Post by **sbeer** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 3:57 am

I have no fire suppresion in my egine compartments. Anybody have a contact in order to find out about installing one. That Viking that went down because of a run away motor problem really started me thinking. Mike

smanni · Post by **smanni** » Wed May 23, 2007 3:50 pm

Mike, That viking has me looking all over at every nook and cranny for possible problems -

sbeer · Post by **sbeer** » Thu May 24, 2007 1:18 am

I hear you Manni