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  NEW STUDY PINPOINTS CAUSES OF BOAT FIRES

NEWS From BoatU.S.
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatU.S. News Room at http://www.BoatUS.com/news/releases.asp

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
Date: June 30, 2003

NEW STUDY PINPOINTS CAUSES OF BOAT FIRES
July Issue of Seaworthy Magazine Reports Findings

As the boating season gets into full swing, a new study released by BoatU.S. Marine Insurance indicates that the leading causes of fires aboard vessels are AC & DC wiring problems, engine and transmission overheating, and fuel leaks.

"Unlike a house fire, boaters generally have no where to go but in the water once a fire breaks out, so understanding how fires start, and what can be done to prevent them, is even more important," said Chuck Fort, Seaworthy associate editor.

The study, which analyzed hundreds of fire claim files over two years and focused on fires originating aboard vessels (marina fires excluded) is highlighted in the July issue of the BoatU.S. publication, Seaworthy, the nation's only damage avoidance magazine for boat owners and the marine insurance industry.

Leading the pack, "AC & DC wiring/appliances" accounted for a whopping 55% of fires. The report further detailed the electrical sources into subcategories such as DC shorts/wiring (30%), DC engine regulator (12%), shore power (4%) and other causes. "Wire chafe is the biggest problem we see," adds Fort. "Electrical fires can also re-ignite even after an extinguisher has been emptied, so it's also important to have a main battery switch and/or AC breaker to stop the ignition source."

The #2 cause, "engine/transmission overheating," had 24% of the claims. Obstructed intake or exhaust cooling water passages are the main cause for hose or impeller meltdowns, which lead to overheating. Keeping these clear, especially exhaust manifolds and risers, as well as regular replacement of pump impellers, would have prevented most of these fires.

"Fuel leaks, " the #3 cause, came in with 8% of claims. Typical problem areas are fuel lines, fuel connections on the engine itself, and leaking tanks.

To get a copy of the report, visit http://www.BoatUS.com/Seaworthy.

BoatU.S. - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters and provides its 540,000 members with a wide array of consumer services including a group-rate marine insurance program that provides over $7 billion in hull coverage; the largest fleet of more than 400 towing assistance vessels; discounts on fuel, slips, and repairs at over 700 marinas; boat financing; and a subscription to BoatU.S. Magazine, the most widely read boating publication in the U.S. For membership information visit http://www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628

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