• Flame Arresters

    by Bob Van Brunt, C.P.O USCG, Ret.

    What is a flame arrester and why do I need one?

    You are required by law to have a U.S. Coast Guard approved flamer arrester if you have an inboard gasoline engine with an installed carburetor. (See 45 US Code of Federal Regulations 162.042. Note: exposed, i.e. hot-rod type engines may be exempt).

    The purpose of a flame arrester is to suppress or cool flames. They have a wire mesh that absorbs the heat from a back fire and thereby renders a flame harmless.

    If the coast guard boards your boat and determines that you do not have a flame arrester, you will be towed to the nearest dock or safe mooring. If you then attempted to go to sea without bringing your boat into compliance, there are stiff and unpleasant penalties.

    Your safety and that of your passengers should be your first priority. Make sure that your gas engine is equipped with flame arresters, and if it is not, please contact us to discuss how you can retrofit your existing engine with the proper equipment. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the proper way to bring your boat into compliance. Please do not hesitate to give us a call.

    Comments? Questions? Suggestions for topics for our blog or newsletter? Send them to
    info@marinepartsexpress.com.

    Marine Parts Express is a division of Water Resources, Inc., a privately held Maine Corporation.

    For all your marine engine parts needs, call us toll free at 877.621.2628, or outside the U.S. at 207.882.6165.

    May 1, 2010 / mpartsexpress / 0

    Categories: Boating and Fishing, The Express

    Tags: ,

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