5 Best Fire Extinguisher For Boat – Guide and Reviews
If you have a boat, then you know how much fun it is to take it out on the water and relax with the waves underneath you. Whether you go to the lake, the river, or the ocean, having a boat is nothing but a pleasurable experience. However, while you most likely practice safety protocols regarding life jackets and how to act on the water, one potential hazard that most people neglect is fire.
Even out on the water, something could go wrong, and a fire could erupt on board. If that happens, are you prepared to put it out? If not, then be sure to pay attention to these fire extinguishers and put one on your vessel. You never know what can happen out there, and it’s much better to be safe than sorry.
5 Best Fire Extinguisher for Boats
Picture | Name | Editor Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Kidde Mariner5 Fire Extinguisher with Pressure Gauge | ||
 | Fire Extinguisher, Rec 5-B.C | ||
 | Fire Command Fire Extinguishing Foam Spray Fire Suppressant | ||
 | Fire Gone (FG6-067-106) Pre Loaded Countertop Display | ||
 | First Alert Auto/Marine Fire Extinguisher |
How to Choose a Fire Extinguisher
Type
First and foremost, an extinguisher is only as good as its rating. There are five primary types from which you can choose, but when it comes to boating, there are only three that matter. Here is an overview of what you can expect from each. For best results, pick an extinguisher that has all three.
● A: flammable materials, such as wood and paper are classified as A fires. While most modern boats have limited combustible construction, there can still be plenty to catch fire while you’re on the water.
● B: liquids such as oil and gasoline are rated as B fires, so you want to keep an extinguisher around if you deal with such chemicals. If you run on any kind of oil or fuel, be sure to have a B type unit.
● C: electrical systems can short out and catch fire, so you will need a C class extinguisher for that situation. Most modern boats have some kind of electronics on board, so this one will be necessary as well.
Overall, as long as you have an extinguisher that’s rated for both B and C fires, you should be okay.
Size
Considering that storage space on a boat is usually limited, you have to make sure that you get a model that won’t take up too much room while also being sufficient to put out any fire that may erupt. When it comes to boats, most fires can stay relatively contained, depending on where they originated and the type of vessel you have. For the most part, you’ll want something like a 16-ounce canister or something comparable.Disposable vs.
Reusable
Usually, if you get a small extinguisher, it’s only good for one use. As such, you should buy them in packs of two or more so that you have spares just in case. However, if you don’t want to have to worry about replacing your extinguisher, then get a unit that you can recharge and refill. These will come with a pressure gauge that shows if it’s ready to go or not. The further benefit of getting a refillable extinguisher is that they last longer between charges than most disposable units.
Recommended Best Fire Extinguisher For Boats Reviews
Kidde Mariner5 Fire Extinguisher with Pressure Gauge
Editor Rating:
Kicking us off is a model that is built to be out on the water. The Mariner5 from Kidde is a marine class extinguisher, which means that it is white instead of red and it has a waterproof and corrosion proof tank. This helps if you ever go out in the ocean as the salt water can rust traditional units.
This particular model is rated to combat B and C fires, and it even meets the standards set forth by the US Coast Guard.
It comes with a pressure gauge, but unfortunately, it is only a single-use item. Nonetheless, it operates as a standard fire extinguisher with a pin and trigger system and dry chemical suppression. It’s compact and lightweight at only three pounds, meaning that you can put it anywhere on board.
Pros
- Durable corrosion-proof aluminum tank
- Rated for B and C fires
- Meets US Coast Guard approval
- Large and easy to read instructions
- Durable pressure gauge
- Pin and trigger system to reduce accidental discharge
- Single use system
- Mounting bracket included
- Tough nylon valve system won’t break down
- Lasts up to 12 seconds when used
- Sprays up to six feet
- Weighs under three pounds
- Six-year limited warranty
Cons
- In rare cases, the unit may arrive damaged
- Non-refillable, even with a pressure gauge
- In rare instances, the device may come fully discharged
Fire Extinguisher, Rec 5-B.C
Editor Rating:
Depending on who you ask, you should only have “marine-certified” fire extinguishers on the water, but that’s really only if you plan on being on salt water, as the air can corrode traditional metal tanks. However, if you are on the river or lake, then something like this extinguisher will be just fine.
It’s rated to combat B and C fires, and it has a rust-proof tank. It comes with a pressure gauge system and is refillable and rechargeable. It uses a pin and trigger system to prevent accidental discharge, and it only weighs two pounds. Finally, it has a mounting bracket so that you can place it anywhere on your boat with ease.
Pros
- Durable rust-proof metal tank
- Rated for B and C fires
- Durable pressure gauge system
- Pin and trigger activation for your safety
- Large and easy to read instructions
- Compact design weighs only two pounds
- Uses dry chemicals for suppression
- Rechargeable model
- Mounting bracket included
- Five-year limited warranty
Cons
- In rare cases, the unit may arrive damaged
- Pin may get stuck and require extra force to remove
Fire Command Fire Extinguishing Foam Spray Fire Suppressant
Editor Rating:
If you’re looking for a disposal fire suppression system, then this unit from Fire Command may be just the ticket. It’s rated for A and B fires, and its compact size and intuitive trigger system make it a worthwhile addition to any vehicle, not just a boat. Its aluminum can is resistant to corrosion, and the cap is made of durable plastic, so it should work out on the water without any problems.
This particular model comes in a pack of two so that you have a spare, and each one is rated to last up to three years. Best of all, it uses eco-friendly biodegradable materials, and you can even recycle the can after using it.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Rated for A and B fires
- Durable aluminum can
- Easy to use trigger system
- Comes in pack of two so you have a spare
- Easy to read instructions
- Uses foam suppression system
- Shoots up to ten feet
- Lasts up to a minute of spray
- Biodegradable materials
- Recyclable can and actuator
- Lasts up to three years
Cons
- Trigger system may break relatively easily
- In rare cases, you may get units that are close to expiration date
Fire Gone (FG6-067-106) Pre Loaded Countertop Display
Editor Rating:
Much like the Fire Command Extinguisher above, this model from Fire Gone is designed to be disposable and compact. In this case, you get six 16-ounce cans, meaning that you have plenty to go around. They are all rated for A, B, and C fires, making them more versatile than anything else we’ve seen.
The aluminum tank and the plastic trigger system are both corrosion resistant and waterproof, although if you dunk this extinguisher, it might not work properly. It has easy to read instructions on the side, but you probably won’t need them given the trigger actuator. It uses biodegradable materials, and you can recycle the whole thing after use. Each can is rated to last up to four years.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Rated for A, B, and C fires
- Comes in pack of six so you have spares
- Easy to use trigger system
- Large instructions on the side
- Durable aluminum canister
- Uses foam suppression system
- Biodegradable materials
- Shelf life of up to four years
Cons
- In rare cases, the cans may start to leak
- Spray may not be as intense as other models
- Bullet Point 2
First Alert Auto/Marine Fire Extinguisher
Editor Rating:
Finishing off our list is another marine-certified extinguisher, so if you want something that is built to be on the water, then this is an excellent way to go. We like this one better than the Kidde model above because a) it comes in a pack of four, b) it’s rechargeable and reusable, and c) it comes with a ten-year warranty.
As for performance, this extinguisher is rated for B and C fires, and it adheres to all Coast Guard specifications.
It has a dry chemical suppression system and a pressure gauge so you can easily tell if it’s ready to go. It comes with a mounting bracket and weighs about four pounds, meaning that it’s larger than the others we’ve seen, but it can handle bigger fires much easier.
Pros
- Commercial-grade construction
- Rated for B and C fires
- Comes in pack of four so you have spares
- Approved by the US Coast Guard
- Uses dry chemical suppression
- Durable pressure gauge system
- Rechargeable design
- Mounting bracket included
- Corrosion resistant materials
- Pin and trigger system
- Easy to read and waterproof label
- Ten-year limited warranty
Cons
- In rare instances, the pin may get stuck slightly
- On rare occasions, the unit may arrive fully discharged and need to be refilled
Final Verdict
Overall, when it comes to boat safety, we have to recommend the First Alert Marine Certified Fire Extinguisher. We like that it can be refilled as well as the fact that it comes with a ten-year warranty. On top of that, it’s always best to get a model that is designed for the boating environment, so that way you are sure that there won’t be any problems should the worst happen.
About the Author Darrell Webster
I believe there is a handyman in all of us as long as you have the right tools. I started this blog to help anyone who is interested in fixing things to learn their way around the different tools and to know how to perform different DIY tasks. I have been doing this for years and believe I am a master of this art.