3 1/2 years ago we had a bad blowup at the gas dock (Erie) I heard a KaBoom and looked up to see parts flying 50 feet above the gas dock. Several very bad burns, and one of the bur victim's young bride down below was killed. Still in litigation, suspect bad vent hoses, I think. I don't want anything to do with Gasoline, I'm forgetful enough without something else to remember.
Bill Coleman C&C 39 -----Original Message----- From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Peter Fell Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 1:50 PM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Subject: Re: Stus-List Atomic 4 Interesting stats from USCG: http://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident_statistics.aspx I haven't read through the entire document but from 2012: Out of 2454 accidents related to operation of vessel, 21 were a caused by failure to ventilate. 0 deaths. Out of 468 accidents related to failure of boat or boat equipment, 12 fuel system failures and 6 ventilation failures. 0 deaths. Out of 694 accidents related to miscellaneous causes, 66 were caused by ignition of fuel or vapor. 1 death. I'm assuming that the miscellaneous category includes ignition of other sources such as propane heating / cooking and perhaps alcohol stoves. If you have a gas outboard on your boat then you already carry gasoline. Given that the tank usually isn't internal but still I think the percentages overall are quite low and of course those stats would include accidents related to outboards, I am fairly sure. When I rebuilt my A4 I replaced the old aluminum fuel tank and all my fuel lines and fittings at the same time .... since with the engine in-place, the old tank wasn't coming out without some significant surgery. The new tank I can fit through the cockpit locker no problem. I also made sure that the low-oil pressure cut-off switch for the fuel pump was replaced and working and properly fused. The existing switch was not working and had been bypassed!! ... I am pretty sure by a mechanic!! (since the PO did not do any of his own maintenance or repairs). -----Original Message----- From: OldSteveH Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 9:06 AM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Subject: Re: Stus-List Atomic 4 Three years ago I was doing work up my mast about 100 ft away from a 40` wooden Chriscraft which exploded during refuelling. It was shocking and there was no warning for those nearby. My point - it's more than rhetoric or something you only hear about. It can actually happen. Second observation - a friend rebuilt his A4 last winter, reinstalled in the spring and found out his tranny was seized. R&R all over again. The message - take the time to go over everything and rebuild/refurbish as necessary. You don't want to take it out twice. Of course same goes for any engine. 3rd - my 3GM will use about 1/4 tank of fuel motoring and motor sailing for 13 hours. How will that compare with gasoline - I think there's a big difference. Not criticizing the idea of keeping an A4, just being aware of some risks and differences. Cheers, Steve Hood S/V Diamond Girl C&C 34 Lions Head ON _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album http://www.cncphotoalbum.com CnC-List@cnc-list.com
