For starters, it's the law. According to the U.S. Coast Guard's website, fire extinguishers are required "where a fire hazard could be expected from the motors or the fuel system." Any boat that has a permanently installed fuel tank, an inboard engine, closed living spaces and compartments, and under-seat compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored, needs to have a fire extinguisher. One may not be enough, either. Boaters with vessels larger than 26 feet will need more than one fire extinguisher. It may seem odd to load up on fire extinguishers when you're surrounded by water, but many of the types of fires you could be handling (flammable liquids like gasoline and oil, or even electrical fires) won't be put out with water. If anything, it'll make them even more dangerous.

Fireboy clean agent fire extinguisher systems are the cleaner, safer, and more effective alternative to dry chemical portable fire extinguishers.

Fireboy fire systems are specifically designed for protecting enclosures, such as engine rooms, on boats. Each system is armed for around-the-clock fire protection.

No boat should leave the launch ramp without a fully charged, properly operating fire extinguisher. However, when or if there is a fire onboard, the fire extinguisher often is not close at hand, or it can't be easily found, or effectively used during the ensuing panic. It's a nightmare no boater wants to experience. It's also a scenario every boater should be prepared to deal with effectively.

U.S. Coast Guard studies show that 90% of all marine fires start in the engine compartment. The same studies show that only one in ten marine fires is successfully quenched with typical dry chemical portable extinguishers.

In addition to the peace of mind that comes from installing a Fireboy system, many insurance providers offer a discount for boaters with an on-board fixed fire extinguisher system. All models are factory rechargeable, except when discharge occurs due to a fire, and are backed by a three-year limited warranty.

• No residue or powdery mess is left behind
  
• No captain or crew response needed to fight a fire
  
• Quicker fire-out time
  
• Protecting vessels with engine rooms up to 1000 cubic feet
  
• Total flooding system
  
• On board, on guard, 24 hours a day, the safest way to combat an engine room fire
  
• Automatic discharge at 175°F (79°C)
  
• Available with FE-241 or HFC-227ea - both are effective Halon replacement clean agents
  
• No water or powdery residue
  
• Each system includes stainless steel mounting brackets, 2" round system status indicator light, and owner's manual / installation instructions
  
• 3-Year Limited Warranty
  
• USCG, Factory Mutual, and Bureau Veritas Approved
  
• In addition to the peace of mind that comes from installing a Fireboy system, many insurance providers offer a discount for boaters with an on-board fixed fire extinguisher system.
  
  
• All models are factory rechargeable, except when discharge occurs due to a fire.
  
  

All Fireboy systems are approved by Factory Mutual, USCG, and Bureau Veritas. In addition, all systems containing HFC-227ea are approved to EN ISO 9094-1 and EN ISO 9094-2 Standards by Bureau Veritas, RINA, and Factory Mutual.

FE-241 (Chlorotetrafluoroethane) is approved for unoccupied spaces such as engine rooms and is approved for use in the United States.

HFC-227ea (Heptafluoropropane) is approved for occupied spaces and is also approved for use in Europe.

3. Based on steps 1 and 2, choose your model from the Model/Size Chart MA2-FE241 or MA2-227 .
Example: MA2-950-227 = automatic discharge with optional manual discharge, 950 cubic feet coverage, HFC-227ea extinguishing agent.

NOTE: When in doubt, always select the larger model size for adequate protection.

4. Determine the length of Manual Release Cable needed to easily reach from the fire extinguisher to the main helm station.

• Compressed gas suppressants such as FE-241® and HFC-227ea will not stall a diesel engine.
  
  
• If fire breaks out aboard a diesel powered vessel, the engine(s) must be shut down immediately for the Fireboy fire extinguisher system to effectively extinguish the fire. Continued engine operation may remove the agent, lowering the concentration required to effectively extinguish the fire creating the possibility of re-ignition and therefore making an Engine Shutdown System necessary.
  
  

Three model series are available for shutting down up to eight circuits with engine circuit relays featuring an operating range of 100 mA to 10 amps at 12 VDC unless otherwise noted. The 5000 and 8000 series are available with a 15-second time delay for GM diesels. Each engine shutdown system comes with a choice of round or square helm station display with integrated audible alarm, charged/discharged status lights, and manual override switch necessary for restart. 12 VDC or 24/32 VDC models are available.

The ELS Series of Engine Shutdowns were developed to address low current, electronically controlled engines. Featuring sealed relays with gold-plated contacts, the ELS Series is guaranteed to operate in all electronic engine applications. Engine circuit relays feature an operating range of 10µA to 2 amps. Auxiliary relays have an operating range of 100 mA to 10 amps for the shutdown of generators, dampers, louvers, and other types of related engine room equipment. All ELS models are 12/24/32 VDC compatible with a choice of either a round or square display.

The display unit comes with an integrated alarm horn, charged / discharged lights and an override switch for restart or control of auto-shutdown. Additional units and wire harnesses are available for a second station.

If space limitations or owner preference call for an angled pull out, the CAA-0285-01 does the job.

The DRA-1001-01 allows the manual discharge of a Fireboy fire extinguishing system from two (2) separate control stations.

Adapter includes three (3) feet of cable, which should be taken into consideration when measuring for dual installation.

• 12 VDC operation
  
• Low current draw
  
• UL 2034 Listed for Marine use.
  
  

E-11, titled AC and DC Electrical Systems on Boats, available from ABYC, www.abycinc.org.