Death of a Trojan F-44

[TADTOOMUCH]

This past Sunday a Trojan F-44 in our marina a wooden 1968 model blew up as the owner was refueling at the slip or had started the engines without using the blowers. We're not sure what really caused the explosion but it destroyed the boat and burned him and his girlfriend severly and injured two others on board. Not sure yet if all will survive.
Two other boats next to it burned as well and then two more were scorched from the heat. Please use extreme caution when you have a gasoline engine on board. Use the blowers religiously for at least five minutes and do a nose test yourself before starting your engines. If you have a fuel leak issue of any kind, get it fixed ASAP and buy and install a fume sensing system. You and your passengers will feel much safer and those around you in the marina will appreciate your being safer. With older boats being the norm things need more attention than on a newer boat but this applies to all.

[Stripermann2]

Is this story from South Haven? Read it on another forum...

Just a simple reminder when fueling at the dock:

1- All passengers off the boat, turn off all electrical devices, including blowers!
2- Close all doors, hatches and windows.
3- Do the sniff test in the bilge, then run the blowers for 5 minutes, then start engines.

And always perform routine inspections of fuel lines, tanks, fill ports, etc...

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/most_popular ... ovider=top

[TADTOOMUCH]

Yes it was six boats away from mine. My wife and I were among the first to respond and tried to help but the flames were too intense to do anything for those on the boat or in the water. We could only help one guy on shore that had injuries from the blast. Not sure what ignited the boat whether it was during refueling, after refueling or before. It was a huge blast and my ears are still ringing. Hopefully all will survive but the recovery will be long for at least two of them. Link to local news site below.

http://www.wwmt.com/share/gallery/?plck ... 8f0711c7e1

[LSP]

Wow ... I read about it on the other forum. TTM ... That must have been devastating to witness and respond to.

[MattSC]

Glad to hear you are OK . Hopefully everyone injured will recover. This is a grim reminder to always be vigilant about refueling and keeping an eye on your fuel system. Striperman is right about the refueling process and don't ever let someone hurry you off the fuel dock.

[rick1954]

OMG I sincerely hope that everyone will be ok. I am so glad that I added that sniffer to my boat, because this could happen even underway if you have a leak or something. This is one of the reasons we do not allow refueling at our marina .