Wiring Fire - H27 (1978)

[John DeWitt]

I launched my Hunter 27 (which I bought new in '78)this morning, and as the engine was idling while we were tying up to the dock where we step the mast (the engine had been running for about 20 minutes) the wiring harness in the engine compartment melted down and caught fire. I put it out with a fire extinguisher. But two questions:1. Does anybody have a wiring schematic, or know where I can get one?2. Has this happened to anyone else?My boat has been completely reliable for 23 years, so this was a surprise. Comments, suggestions, or schematics are welcome.John DeWittDosDeWitts@AOL.com

 

[Doug T.]

Parts manual

Get a copy of the parts manual for the Yanmar from Torresen Marine. It shows every single piece, part, nut, bolt, screw and wire on the engine. I don't recall that it has a wiring schematic, per se, but it will at least list all of the wires and identify where they go.Good luck!

 

[R. Young]

Check Insulation on wires

Various wires, after 24 years of engine vibration etc., can easily lose their insulation, causing shorts and possible fire. Many of the wires in the engine compartment are not fused so there is little protection - coupled with oil/grease residues and its not hard for a fire to start. Check wires, especially where they come in close physical contact to metal which can act as a slow abrasive to the wire insulation.Roger

 

[David Foster]

Engines cause 90 percent of sailboat fires

according to the Coast Guard as quoted in this month's Sail magazine. More properly, 90 percent are in the engine compartment. This is true even with the shift toward diesel fuel.The article continues with some good ideas and advice. The key idea is to figure out how to get fire suppressant into the engine compartment without opening it up to limitless oxygen.My idea is to carry a gas suppressant in the box behind the tiller, and discharge it through the lazarette into the engine compartment. We already carry a powder extinguisher there because the two most likely fire sources - the engine, and the stove are bewteen the cockpit, and the midships wall with its two extinguishers.DavidLAdy Lillie'77 h27

 

[Steve Dion]

Sorry to hear this!

John:I suggest that you contact the Yanmar dealer (assuming it is a Yanmar) and see if they have a wiring harness for your boat. This is going to be the best way to rewire your boat. If you cannot get one, they may have the schematics available.