Experience a Safe In-Water Experience With the Best Marine Fire Extinguishers
For mariners devoting their lives to the sea, keeping extra backups and security features is essential. It is an unfortunate possibility that your boat might catch fire, and you need to keep it updated with all the recent features like a fire extinguisher.
Available in many types and sizes to help you upgrade safety in the waters, having one on hand can deter a true emergency scenario and keep you and your guests safe while out on the sea.
To help you navigate the expansive online marketplace, we have reviewed the top marine fire extinguishers of 2024!
Our Top Picks
Here Is the Finest Marine Fire Extinguisher of 2024
Best Overall
The First Alert Marine Fire Extinguisher is a UL-rated 10 BC item that delivers high-end results to control fire. It features a metalhead with a commercial-grade valve and trigger that ensures durability and a damage-resistant body. This extinguisher is designed to beat any flammability to fight any fire and electrical hazard, and it uses a sodium bicarbonate agent that rarely has any harmful impact on the human skin.
Additionally, the metal pull pin is equipped with a safety seal that works to protect against unexpected accidental discharge or tampering. This way, you have maximum components in case of fire. Coming to you with a mount, bracket, and strap to securely place it in a safe zone, you get a complete instruction manual on the body to safely use this product.
Pros
- Uses a harmless agent
- Has damage-resistant properties
- Easy to mount in one place
Cons
- Only designed for boats
Superior Body
The Kiddo Marine Fire Extinguisher is designed to control A, B, and C class fires for versatile and user-friendly equipment. It features a metal valve, handles, and lever so you can easily open it when needed. It is rated as a multipurpose gadget and even suitable for all kinds of spaces around the house, like your car.
This fire extinguisher is lightweight with metal construction, providing durability and strength. The gadget incorporates a gauge that tells you when the extinguisher is fully charged and ready to use. It also has an easy-pull safety pin that comes out as soon as you apply pressure in the right direction.
Pros
- Has a sturdy, durable construction
- Provides alerts about charging and battery
Cons
- Requires full battery to work properly
Multipurpose
The Amerex Marine Fire Extinguisher is a multipurpose item that you can safely use around the office, home, car, boats, and other locations. It can extinguish fire up to a longer distance, delivering both an extra safe and harmless experience. This item is made from steel which ensures strength, durability, and a tamper-resistant body.
The body is equipped with user instructions and details, helping you use the product with maximum efficiency. Coming to you with a wall bracket to adjust it in one spot in the room without any chances of damage, this gadget also has a pull ring pin design that enables you to use it without going through a complex process.
Pros
- Has a multipurpose use
- Not easy to damage or tamper
- Simple design that works from a distance
Cons
- Requires extra strength to open
Damage-Resistant
The H3R Marine Fire Extinguisher is a no thermal shock item that does not react with the electronic components on the boat. When released, it does not mess up or damage the surface of your vehicle when the fire goes out. It contains liquefied gas that extinguishes hard-to-reach areas, providing you with extra safety and durability. Plus, it does not deteriorate your vision when released, allowing you to see the components on the boat clearly.
This fire extinguisher is also rechargeable, which means you can consistently use it more than once. It features a two-strap steel mounting bracket and high-quality steel cylinder that do not get damaged or tampered with easily—and to add to its durability, the product is lightweight and easy to use.
Pros
- Durable and safe to store
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Does not deteriorate vision or quality of surface
Cons
- Requires regular recharging
Buyer’s Guide to Finding a Marine Fire Extinguisher
Marine fire extinguishers help you protect yourself from any hazard while on the boat. The following buyer’s guide outlines why it is critical that you must pick something durable and reliable.
How Marine Fire Extinguishers Are Classified
Marine fire extinguishers are classified by letters and Roman numerals. Roman numerals, like I or III, tell the size of fire extinguishers. The larger the number, the bigger fire extinguishers are. Keeping this in mind, you can imagine that sizes I and II would be the easiest to carry around. Meanwhile, any size larger than II would be classified as semi-mobile.
The letters A, B, and C tell the type of fire you can put out using a particular model.
Class A
Class A is a fundamental fire extinguisher that fights fire with ashes. You can use it to extinguish wood, paper, cloth, and plastic. The A-class fire extinguishers have water or chemical foam.
Class B
Class B fire extinguishers put out fires of liquids such as oil, paint thinners, and gasoline. Class B fire extinguishers have carbon dioxide, dry chemicals, or AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam).
Class C
Class C fire extinguishers are used in fires caused by electric charge or equipment. It uses dry chemicals or carbon dioxide to fight the fire. If you cut the electricity power, then Class A or Class B can also help set out such fires.
How To Select a Fire Extinguisher
Here is how to select fire extinguishers for your boat.
Length of Boat
You might not consider it an essential factor, but it plays a critical role when deciding the number of extinguishers required. For ordinary pleasure boats, at least 3 fire extinguishers are required and the count increases with the boat’s length.
Portability
This is also very important to know whether you need a portable or a fixed fire extinguisher for your boat. Most boats use portable fire extinguishers because they can be transported anywhere easily in case of fire. Since they only last for 12 to 15 seconds, many ships have a fixed fire extinguisher in their engine room as this is where a fire occurs most of the time.
What Are the Agents Used in Marine Fire Extinguishers?
There are different fire extinguishers with other agents. Before buying one, let’s go through their properties to see which one fits you the most. Different agents deliver different results.
Water
Water is best to fight with Class A fire only. They are pretty heavy and bulky, which makes them hard to store.
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is best to fight fires of Class B and C. They are straightforward to use and don’t leave any leftovers.
Novec 1230
Novec 1230 is used when fighting with all classes of fire. They are also friendly to the environment and are very good at fighting fires.
HFC-227ea
While HFC-227ea are costly, they can fight with the fire of all classes.
Halotron 1
Halotron 1 is perfect for fighting a Class C fire.
Dry chemical
Dry chemicals are cheap and less toxic. They can extinguish the Class B and Class C fire, but their residue is hard to clean.
Aqueous foam
Aqueous foam is good at fighting all three classes of fire. When using them, you should not get in contact with bare skin or eyes.
People Also Asked
How far should I use a marine fire extinguisher?
The ideal distance to use a marine fire extinguisher is around about six feet, but it can be more or less depending on use. For instance, since boats do not have a large surface area, it is essential to stand at a safe distance and pull the pin aiming directly at the bottom of the fire. Aiming at the top might not deliver the results as expected.
How many times can I use a marine fire extinguisher?
In most cases, a marine fire extinguisher should be refilled or recharged after a single use. Certain models allow multiple uses after a while, but you may not get the same intensity of pressure when using those.
What is the average life of a marine fire extinguisher?
Most fire extinguishers do not expire, but they have a life expectancy of 10-15 years. Also, you shouldn't use a marine fire extinguisher if its body is damaged or tampered with. Always look for a fresh piece loaded with pressure before using it.
Is it required to practice using a marine fire extinguisher?
While it may not seem necessary, practicing using your marine fire extinguisher can save precious time during a real emergency. If you regularly sail with multiple family members, you should also make an effort to teach your guests the quick do’s and don’t s of operating one.