Funny - Joe Posted the following on Sailnet -
"I do know of a sailboat that was A4 powered that burned and sank a couple of
years ago. It was a sistership to my own and I suspect they had the issue I
had. A 90 degree rubber elbow C&C used was not fuel rated, but tolerated
gasoline. Ethanol, not so much I found the leak in mine and replaced it and
discovered my entire fill hose was coming apart from the inside!
Joe Della Barba
Coquina
C&C 35 MK I
The following is from a forensic engineering firm -
BOAT EXPLOSIONS
Boating is an enjoyable pass time for many Canadians. Unfortunately, the
dangers associated with this activity are often misunderstood or
ignored.
Marine craft present a particular hazard to fire and explosions.
According to US Coast Guard statistics, fires and explosions account for the
largest single cause of marine property damage. The hazards exist owing
to the presence of flammable liquids present within confined, poorly
ventilated spaces. Gasoline fuel, which is used to propel the
majority of private marine craft presents the most common hazard.
Gasoline can be released into boat compartments as a result of
equipment failure, spills and improper storage of fuel supply.
Gasoline has a lower explosive limit (LEL) of 1.4% by volume and an
upper explosive limit (UEL) of 7.6%. The percentages within the LEL and UEL
represent flammable gasoline/air mixtures. Therefore, a flammable
gasoline/air mixture can exist when 100 ml (approx. 200 drops) of
gasoline liquid is vaporized in 1 cubic metre (approx. 35 cubic feet)
of confined air space. Furthermore, gasoline vapour is heavier
than air and tends to collect in lower compartments of the boat.
Therefore, a small leak or spill can present a significant
hazard of explosion and fire.
Diesel fuel presents a reduced explosion hazard owing to its higher
flash point which prevents it from readily evaporating to produce a flammable
mixture. The LEL for No. 1 grade diesel fuel is 3.5% by volume and the
UEL is 6.9%. The LEL is higher and the range is smaller, further
reducing the hazard. However, higher temperatures will cause diesel
fuel to evaporate more readily resulting in explosive mixtures being
present within confined air spaces on marine craft. Temperatures
within cabins and engine compartments may be significantly raised by
the hot summer sun, increasing this hazard.
In addition to engine fuels, galley stoves, which operate with fuels
such as alcohol, kerosene, and propane present significant fire and explosion
hazards from improper operation, improper installation, fuel leaks and
spills. Propane (LEL = 2.5%, UEL = 4.5%) presents the greatest
explosion hazard.
Jerry C&C 27V J&J
-----Original Message-----
From: Hoyt, Mike via CnC-List <[email protected]>
To: cnc-list <[email protected]>
Cc: Hoyt, Mike <[email protected]>
Sent: Thu, Jul 23, 2015 8:26 am
Subject: Re: Stus-List Exploding C&C
“Craptastic”
I will have to add that to my everyday vocabulary
From: CnC-List [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Joe Della
Barba via CnC-List
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2015 8:48 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Joe Della Barba
Subject: Re: Stus-List Exploding C&C
It just seems odd that I never hear about “Mercruiser 5.7 liter exploded” or
“PleasureCraft Marine V6 exploded” but someone always talks about A4s exploding
although AFAIK no A4 has ever exploded in the history of gasoline engines. Now
the fuel might explode, but given the craptastic materials C&C used for fuel
systems in the early 70s, odds are the fuel didn’t leak out of the ENGINE ;)
BTW – if I were an insurance adjuster, this fire would get a second look…..
Joe Della Barba
[email protected]
Coquina
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