Fire Extinguishers

[seasick]

I always check my signal devices such as flares for expiration dates but if I read the news latest, the Coast Guard has modified the fire extinguisher regs for recreation boats.
If I read them correctly, your fire extinguishers must not be more than 12 years old. That sounds like a long time but when I checked the half dozen extinguishers I have spread among two boats, a shed, a locker etc., all were out of date: The year of manufacturer is stamped on the bottom of the extinguisher. All the expired units have a good charge and I will keep some as backups but I did pick up a few new ones last week.

 

[SkunkBoat]

I think thats been the rule all along. Its a rule on land anyways. I've been replacing mine based on the date code since I've owned boats. I have a few on the wall of my garage from years ago.

Its a good idea to invert them a few times beginning the season. If they never move for 10 years the powder can compact on the bottom...or so I was told in the Navy 35 years ago.

 

[seasick]

I think thats been the rule all along. Its a rule on land anyways. I've been replacing mine based on the date code since I've owned boats. I have a few on the wall of my garage from years ago.

Its a good idea to invert them a few times beginning the season. If they never move for 10 years the powder can compact on the bottom...or so I was told in the Navy 35 years ago.

I am pretty sure the age is a new thing. For boats under a certain length, there was no expiration day.
I was told by an old salt that I should not just turn the extinguisher over a few times but should invert it and tap it with a hammer ( preferable soft faced) to break up any clumps

 

[Doc Stressor]

The rules just changed this year and went into effect April 1. The specifications changed in 2016.

https://chesapeakebaymagazine.com/coast-guard-changes-fire-extinguisher-requirements-for-boats/

I always changed them out after 8 years or so anyway.

 

[seasick]

I found the article. New rules take effect April 20,

BoatUS: New U.S. Coast Guard Fire Extinguisher Regulation Effective April 20 : BoatUS News Room

12 year expiration for disposables and different carriage requirements for older, newer model year vessels

www.boatus.com

 

[SkunkBoat]

there was a rule in my head about the tank dates... I have C.R.S. so I can't tell you where I got that from... probably the Navy

 

[glacierbaze]

Is CRS a clinical abbreviation, or does it just mean, can’t remember shit?

 

[Fishtales]

Thats a 5 year change out in my book. Then I rotate to the kitchen and get rid of the ones they are replacing. Short money.

 

[seasick]

Thats a 5 year change out in my book. Then I rotate to the kitchen and get rid of the ones they are replacing.

Now we know what your priorates are

 

[Hookup1]

I have a dozen 5 lb extinguishers mounted outside around my storage facility. Boat extuingsher is the same type only smaller. There are inspected and tagged every year. I'm not sure what they do for the inspection each year. After 5 years they should be emptied and refilled or replaced. Cost is about the same so I usually replace them.