Living Afloat by Clare Allcard

Author:Clare Allcard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: For the Benefit of Mr. Kite
Published: 1994-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Explosions

These are nearly always caused by petrol fumes or gas. Treat both substances with utmost caution. As mentioned in the preceding section on fire, never have a petrol engine on board a boat.

Butane gas is heavier than air and sinks. Never stow gas bottles below or in deck lockers from which gas can seep down into the cabin and bilge. Gas lockers should have a vent low down to funnel fumes to the outside air. Check all bottles and gas piping for leaks. (See ‘Gas’ in Chapter 15, The Galley.)

If you do have a gas leak because the wind has blown the flame out or someone has accidentally knocked one of the taps on, pump the bilges out immediately. Then continue pumping well after the bilge is dry, as the gas lies above any bilge water. Persevere, and eventually all the gas will be sucked out.

A doctor friend of ours had just such an accident aboard a small yacht that boasted no such refinements as mechanical bilge pumps. Quite a crowd gathered to watch this lunatic’ as he solemnly tipped one apparently empty bucket after another over the side of his boat. He steadfastly ignored his audience and, after a couple of hours’ hard work, had safely bailed out all the gas.

There are a number of gas sniffers on sale that provide an added safeguard – provided you never rely on them.

Recently, natural gas, which is lighter than air and therefore much safer on boats, has appeared in bottles. The safest answer of all, however, is not to cook on gas.

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