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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Spontaneous combustion

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1773 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/07/2002 : 18:08:52

Hi to all,

My best friend who sails a Catalina 30 out of Mystic, CT said he heard of a Hunter that burned up recently. The cause was "spontaneous combustion." Apparently the boat's new owner was doing some cleaning and repairs on his newly acquired boat, and some of the chemicals he was using caught fire while he was away from the boat and did lots of damage to it.

How does this happen???? Are there certain chemicals, cleaning fluids, etc. that are worse than others? Is it a combination of specific chemicals that cause something like this? Does it matter if you are using rags, paper towels, or something else?

Believe me, since I got this boat, I've dabbled around with more chemicals and cleaners than ever before ... I would hate to burn up my garage or my boat because of a dumb mistake.

'Any comments?

Buzz Maring, C-25 SK/SR #68, "Freya"

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Doug
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 07/08/2002 : 00:59:08

I've worked a couple of house fires and a boat fire that were caused by spontaneous combustion. Usually it's a stain or oil product, especially finishes with Linseed oil. Also seen piled up, greasy fast food uniforms combust. I don't think most products themselves combusts by themself, but if you leave rags or brushes laying around you can have trouble. Follow the disposal directions on the can. I usually take the soaked rags, put them in a coffee can and let them sit out & dry well away from anything that can burn.

Doug - #1913 Noeta

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Doug
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 07/08/2002 : 01:07:59

While I'm on the subject- Keep an eye on cleaning chemicals and sprays. People can be very careful hanging propane over the transom and venting the fuel locker, and then keep a can of deodorant in the head and spray on cooking oil in the galley. I don't think spontaneous combustion is a problem, but keep in mind that many aerosols are pressurized with flamable gas.

Doug - #1913 Noeta

Edited by - Doug on 07/08/2002 01:12:33

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MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 07/08/2002 : 02:08:59

Something to remember is not to mix the chemicals. This can give off dangerous gasses, and also make a lot of heat. My wife use to mix stuff all the time till I convinced her to stop doing it. I think when I told her what that green gas she has been breathing was she got the picture. If you don't know what it is, Chlorine gas can be deadly.<img src=icon_smile_dead.gif border=0 align=middle>

Matt Loeffler
E.C. Rider
Cat 25 86'
FK/SR _/)

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.