Bob, mine did that 2 years ago. Fortunately it only melted slightly before I caught it. It has been secured WELL away from the exhaust elbow since!
On another note, my wife and I took the boat out this morning and hoisted the jib for the first time this season. I had been having a problem in the past with the furler jamming so tried pulling it higher this time. As a result either the top piece of the furler or the shackle end of the halyard is jammed and I can't roll the jib up or pull it down. I tried to tie it up temporarily to keep it from flapping too much and will have to go up the mast tomorrow if I can get some muscle to help me. It seems like there is always something! On the positive side, we had an enjoyable several hours sailing and even had her parents and sister along. Her mother, for years, has refused to get on a boat after a boat she was supposed to be on sank. I felt fortunate that she put aside her superstition for me. She seemed to enjoy the day. (Sorry, didn't intend to hijack your post.)
