Burning candles in the boat

[Romagic]

I was always taught that open flame and boating are a bad combination.

Reading through the forums I see some discussion of people using candles on their boat. People tell me about fumes that can build up in the bilge, plus, the inherent dangers of a boat fire.

What is the deal? Would you burn a candle on your boat? Below? Cockpit?

 

[zeehag]

fumes in bilge--lol--only thing builds up is soot --lol--the candles nowadays are cheap and sooty. get good quality candles and is still sooty--oil lamps are a better bet. less soot.

yes.,i have burned candles. i own oil lamps as i like the ambiance--but hate the soot. good luck--candles are cool...i used to put them into the empty sink while burning,as that place was metal and safe.

 

[MJWarner]

I have used the LED candles (battery operated) for several years. Places like QVC sell some very "real" convincing wax candles in many shapes, sizes and colors. Some of mine have timers to auto turn on and off. These are fantastic for when I arrive at the boat after dark. I have enough light to see and navigate the steps down into the cabin.

 

[zeehag]

mj--cool idea! ambiance and light in one bag--wow....

 

[Rick D]

Two words: Oil lamps. However, I once had a glass and brass holder that would hold a candle. Preferable to a naked candle IMHO. I do have my oil lamp burning all night when I do overnighters. It lends a soft and warm light that is perfect for moving around below and doesn't disturb sleeping crew. I don't find any soot if I use a good quality oil. I do however, buy the oil at a hardware store vs. marine store.

 

[LuzSD]

we use an oil lalmp that is mounted right below a hatch and with that open, it is great....... definitely a mood enhancer. Oil keeps well and purchasing a couple wicks each year or two is about it for maintainence. Lasts forever!

 

[Roy10289]

Most silboats have diesel engines so burining candles is not a problem as far as safety from explosion of gas fumes. We have an oil lamp that is nice at night and also many times use candles for the bugs or just the ambiance.

 

[Ross]

Candles pose two potedntial risks. 1st setting curtains on fire an second not being in a proper holder and starting a fire. I use oil lanterns. They are less expensive and come with a built in dimmer.

 

[Mike1956]

Being a firefighter, and considering the number of structure fires caused by candles, I'd strongly recommend using something safer than a candle. If you are forced to out of necessity, use a container large enough to contain the entire volume of the wax in the candle. like a hurricane candle in a glass jar. Do not leave the candle unattended, and that also means don't fall asleep with the candle burning.

Candles were blamed for 9,930 fires, 126 civilian deaths and $170.6 million in property damage nationwide in 1996, the most recent year for which statistics are available, according to the National Fire Protection Association. And those houses weren't rolling back and forth like a boat on the water. The bad thing about a fire inside a boat is that it is so much smaller in volume inside than the inside of your house, the smoke and toxic gases accumulate to deadly concentrations so much quicker. :naughty:

http://ci.marshfield.wi.us/fd/firestats.htm

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/candle_fires.html

 

[Stu Jackson]

We have an oil trawler lamp and a few different candle arrangements: hurricane lamps, bug candle in a clay pot, and a nice anchor candle holder for dinnertime.

Be careful, be safe, don't leave one unattended, just like at home. What's the issue?

 

[Ross]

We have some glass candle holders that have the means to be flooded. that way the candle can't escape the holder and spread a fire. We never walk into another room and leave a candle behind.

 

[kpgraci]

in 1996, the most recent year for which statistics are available, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

1996? So what has the National Fire Protection Association been doing for the past 14 years?