As new owners of a 326 we are agonizing over where to mount the two fire extinguishers. Any 326 or 320 owner suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Sure would hate to drill a hole only to learn of a better location.
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Bob
Fire Extinguisher Locations
Actually, we mounted three. 1.) In the aft stateroom by the engine.(imagine sleeping back there only to find out that you're trapped) 2.) One right by the entryway to the cabin (so you can grab it from the cockpit if necessary) 3.) One outside the forward stateroom. (same issue as number 1) We tend to go "overboard" on the safety stuff. S/V "Never Say Never" Hunter 320 2001
Actually, we mounted three. 1.) In the aft stateroom by the engine.(imagine sleeping back there only to find out that you're trapped) 2.) One right by the entryway to the cabin (so you can grab it from the cockpit if necessary) 3.) One outside the forward stateroom. (same issue as number 1) We tend to go "overboard" on the safety stuff. S/V "Never Say Never" Hunter 320 2001
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Daniel Jonas
Fire Extinguishers
We don;t have a 326, but the logic we used on our 356 is that most fires will start in either the engine area or the kitchen. We mounted one just inside the companionway so that it can be reached from either the cockpit or below. We have just enough space to keep it out of the way from moving traffic. The second one we mounted in the aft cabin. The rational was that the forward cabin hatch is big enough to get out of the boat, the rear cabin does not provide an escape route. We figured that would give us a chance to fight our way out. You might want to put a piece of tape on the wall where you think it should go, then live on the boat a few days or nights with your stuff there and see if it still works. Hope that helps a little. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)
We don;t have a 326, but the logic we used on our 356 is that most fires will start in either the engine area or the kitchen. We mounted one just inside the companionway so that it can be reached from either the cockpit or below. We have just enough space to keep it out of the way from moving traffic. The second one we mounted in the aft cabin. The rational was that the forward cabin hatch is big enough to get out of the boat, the rear cabin does not provide an escape route. We figured that would give us a chance to fight our way out. You might want to put a piece of tape on the wall where you think it should go, then live on the boat a few days or nights with your stuff there and see if it still works. Hope that helps a little. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)
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Steve
320 Locations
I also agonized over where to mount anything on my 320. It took me about 2 hours to get the courage to drill the first hole, and that was for a battery hold-down strap. I ended up mounting mine on the starboard side just inside the hatchway above the icebox. It is in easy reach from the cockpit, as well from the galley. The second is under the chart table. Use short screws the chart table and don't drill into your head/shower. I have put quite a few upgrades on my 320, and I am just a little north of you in Port Huron. If you ever want to look over anything, let me know. Chances are it is already installed on my boat, or I have figured out where to put it once the funds become available. Good luck. Steve
I also agonized over where to mount anything on my 320. It took me about 2 hours to get the courage to drill the first hole, and that was for a battery hold-down strap. I ended up mounting mine on the starboard side just inside the hatchway above the icebox. It is in easy reach from the cockpit, as well from the galley. The second is under the chart table. Use short screws the chart table and don't drill into your head/shower. I have put quite a few upgrades on my 320, and I am just a little north of you in Port Huron. If you ever want to look over anything, let me know. Chances are it is already installed on my boat, or I have figured out where to put it once the funds become available. Good luck. Steve
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Peggie Hall/Headmistress
General rule on all boats
Fire extinguishers should always be placed where they allow you to grab one and use while backing away from the fire, toward an escape from the boat. You should never have to go through a fire to get to an extinguisher. That typically means putting on at the entrance to the v-berth and any aft cabin (escape route from berth is the deck hatch...stern port in aft cabin should be one that can be kicked out and a body can fit through it), And one at the companionway hatch into the cabin. I always put one in the galley too--positioned so it would be between any stove fire and the companionway. All should be readily accessible, not hidden behind locker doors. Whether that many exceeds the number required by law is irrelevant. That fire extinguishers aren't "decor items" is equally irrelevant. We don't put fire extinguishers on boats just to satisfy the law, we don't skimp on 'em or hide 'em because they don't add anything to the decor. We put them there to save our lives--and hopefully our boats--in the event of a fire. So install as many as it takes to do that, where they'll be of any use. They're cheap insurance.
Fire extinguishers should always be placed where they allow you to grab one and use while backing away from the fire, toward an escape from the boat. You should never have to go through a fire to get to an extinguisher. That typically means putting on at the entrance to the v-berth and any aft cabin (escape route from berth is the deck hatch...stern port in aft cabin should be one that can be kicked out and a body can fit through it), And one at the companionway hatch into the cabin. I always put one in the galley too--positioned so it would be between any stove fire and the companionway. All should be readily accessible, not hidden behind locker doors. Whether that many exceeds the number required by law is irrelevant. That fire extinguishers aren't "decor items" is equally irrelevant. We don't put fire extinguishers on boats just to satisfy the law, we don't skimp on 'em or hide 'em because they don't add anything to the decor. We put them there to save our lives--and hopefully our boats--in the event of a fire. So install as many as it takes to do that, where they'll be of any use. They're cheap insurance.
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Jay Eaton
Another Fire Extinguisher
Nobody mentioned putting one in the cockpit. Peggy is correct to say that you should not need to go through the fire to reach a fire extinguisher. Since they cost very little in dollars, they could save the boat and you. The more the better.
Nobody mentioned putting one in the cockpit. Peggy is correct to say that you should not need to go through the fire to reach a fire extinguisher. Since they cost very little in dollars, they could save the boat and you. The more the better.
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David
Fire extinguisher condition
Adding to Peggy's good comments on location of extinguishers, condition is equally important. Even though the gauge on dry chemicals reads green this does not mean the extinguisher is functional. If the powder has hardened the extinguisher won't work. It is a good idea to occassionally shake the extinguisher to feel or hear movement , if there is no movement replace it.
Adding to Peggy's good comments on location of extinguishers, condition is equally important. Even though the gauge on dry chemicals reads green this does not mean the extinguisher is functional. If the powder has hardened the extinguisher won't work. It is a good idea to occassionally shake the extinguisher to feel or hear movement , if there is no movement replace it.
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Scott Narum
Same Here!
I have exactly the same concerns...I have three extinguishers on board, but they are all stashed below the sink while I find an area that I can stand to mount them. I feel that the bulkhead as you head down the companionway is probably best, but...I can't get the courage to drill in it yet. This is partly due to the thin wood they used...let me know what you do! Scott
I have exactly the same concerns...I have three extinguishers on board, but they are all stashed below the sink while I find an area that I can stand to mount them. I feel that the bulkhead as you head down the companionway is probably best, but...I can't get the courage to drill in it yet. This is partly due to the thin wood they used...let me know what you do! Scott
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