WHO would have thought changing an alternator belt could destroy your boat, and possibly yourselves?!!! Blinding Smoke and overpowering fumes from an electrical fire spread astonishingly fast. Of all possible outcomes, YOURS was the best possible. TWO out of three fire extinguishers failed! I can’t imagine what thoughts were going through your mind as you reached for the THIRD one! This could be a lifesaving video. Thank you for posting it.
Regarding fuses, I was also advised to install fuses AS CLOSE TO THE BATTERIES AS POSSIBLE! The less wire to go up in flames between the fuse and battery, the better. One foot of burning wire is preferable to fifteen feet ablaze!
Remember order, take off negative first, because, grounds, motor are tied into the Negative, the positive terminal. Otherwise, if positive first, you'll potentially touch the motor, or any ground that's tied to the negative, causing a short, research, and be safe captain.
You were not clear on what actually burned: just a wire, oily residue, belt dust, whatever? I recognize this from personal experience: you seem to be a bit behind the ideal schedule for inspection and maintenance (that belt was WAY past its prime, as were your extinguishers). You might want to inspect the thru-hulls and the standing rigging.
apologies for the late reply... the connections between the alternator and the solenoid shorted and started burning... the outer protective sleeve of the wiring caught fire. You are quite right, I should have seen this sooner. Rigging etc all checked and good
Do an entry level sailing course and offer your time to assist in day sailing. It's not something you learn quickly. Experience will be built up over time
OMG...I'm so glad that both of you are OK!!! It could have been much worse! Safe travels!!!
Yeah, luckily it all worked out
WHO would have thought changing an alternator belt could destroy your boat, and possibly yourselves?!!!
Blinding Smoke and overpowering fumes from an electrical fire spread astonishingly fast.
Of all possible outcomes, YOURS was the best possible. TWO out of three fire extinguishers failed! I can’t imagine what thoughts were going through your mind as you reached for the THIRD one!
This could be a lifesaving video. Thank you for posting it.
can't emphasise how fast this happened, as you said, smoke and fumes... lesson to be learned for sure
Glad to see you are both ok, and the boat! There will be a lot of cleaning but a good chance to practise your fire drill
we have a lot to be thankful for, once again the universe was looking out for us
I just mentioned your experience on our sailing forum.
Amazing thanks
😥 wow that was a hard lesson ,glad it didnt cause worst damage
Yep, best case scenario, thank goodness
Glad you are safe guys. Love your content.
thanks so much, greatly appreciated
Regarding fuses, I was also advised to install fuses AS CLOSE TO THE BATTERIES AS POSSIBLE! The less wire to go up in flames between the fuse and battery, the better. One foot of burning wire is preferable to fifteen feet ablaze!
Great advice thanks so much
Just shows you when people say they don't need emergency gear, you truly never know when you're going to need it.
so true, we have been putting this off for a while now thinking it would never happen to us...
Jisslaaik!!
eish... what a close call
She so cheerful under stress.
😂😂 she sure is
I don't think I'd ever seen a store before that only specializes in fire extinguishers.
and 3 in the same vicinity, thank goodness
Scary guys! I don't understand, when you were changing out the belt, wasn't the engine off?
Everything was "off", should have disconnected the batteries
@@searchingforcoconuts2248 😔 noted.
Remember order, take off negative first, because, grounds, motor are tied into the Negative, the positive terminal. Otherwise, if positive first, you'll potentially touch the motor, or any ground that's tied to the negative, causing a short, research, and be safe captain.
Great tip thanks 🙏
You were not clear on what actually burned: just a wire, oily residue, belt dust, whatever?
I recognize this from personal experience: you seem to be a bit behind the ideal schedule for inspection and maintenance (that belt was WAY past its prime, as were your extinguishers).
You might want to inspect the thru-hulls and the standing rigging.
apologies for the late reply... the connections between the alternator and the solenoid shorted and started burning... the outer protective sleeve of the wiring caught fire. You are quite right, I should have seen this sooner. Rigging etc all checked and good
So do you have to turn off batteries or shore power or both?
I now know the safest way is to disconnect the batteries
How does a 55 yr old man start to sail (solo)?
Do an entry level sailing course and offer your time to assist in day sailing. It's not something you learn quickly. Experience will be built up over time