Does anyone on the forum have experience installing a fire suppression system? Any recommendations on brand/model would be appreciated.

Wel, there are three options.

the first is hand held portable extinguishers.

Second is a pre-engineered system. pre-engineered means it is designed for a compartment volume within a range of cubic feet. They come in various sizes. You buy and install the size that fits the compartment you are trying to protect.

third is engineered systems. They are designed specifically for you boat.

the first is the least expensive by least reliable because it depends on you knowing how to use it.

The second is next and the third is the most expensive, but both are automatic and the most reliable.

Automatic fire fighting systems have to be sized to the compartment volume. You calculated the size of the compartment in cubic feet, and subtract the volume of any tanks or major pieces of equipment in the compartment.

See http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/fixedfireext_spv.asp

The above link takes you to the Coast Guard Page on these systems for passenger vessels, not recreational boats but the same rules apply for fixed systems.

There are pre-engineered systems designed specifically for recreational boats on the market. A google search ought to get you a list of brand names, such as Kidde and Fireboy, et al.

Avoid anyone trying to sell you a Halon system. They are excellent systems and Halon is a great fire suppressant, but you can't get Halon to refill the system, if it ever gets discharged. Halon is no longer manufactured and is only available to the military.

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Ike
"Don't tell me I can't. Tell me how I can!"
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