Safety Devices to Look Out for When Hiring a Boat with an Inboard Motor

Cruising in a sea, lake or river is a fulfilling recreational activity. You not only enjoy the beautiful scenery offered but also get to enjoy other activities such as diving and fishing. When you are hiring a boat with an inboard motor, safety is paramount. Essentially, an inboard motor is the system used to propel the boat on the surface of the water. Here, the engine is fitted within the hull (body) of the boat, often close to the bottom of the hull. A propulsion screw connects the inboard motor to a driveshaft to facilitate the motion of the boat. When hiring a boat for the first time, there are some safety devices you can look out for to ensure your wellbeing when using the boat. Here they are:

Backfire Flame Control

A boat with a petrol or diesel powered inboard motor runs the risk of a fire breakout. This can be caused by a mechanical fault or introducing an element that can cause fire by reacting chemically with the boat's fuel. Ideally, a safety measure against fire should keep it from spreading from the other source to the other parts of the boat. This is where a backfire flame control comes in handy. They are designed to prevent the flame from leaving the carburation system of the inboard motor, keeping the rest of the boat and its occupants safe. A backfire flame control has a secure air intake mechanism and a flame-tight connection to the other parts. When hiring, ask if the carburation system of the inboard motor is equipped with a backfire flame control.

Navigation Lights

Sometimes, weather conditions or mechanical problems may compel you to stay longer in the boat that you had expected. When darkness sets in, being on a boat that has no navigational lights jeopardises your safety. When hiring, you should have the navigation lights tested to ensure that they are fully functional. You need them to work your way around any obstacles whose impact affect the engine negatively. You also need the navigation lights to react to the movement of water and other vessels on your water channel.

Ventilation and Exhaust System

A boat with an inboard motor should have a proper ventilation mechanism in the hull and an exhaust system. Ideally, the exhaust fumes from the engine should be directed away from the occupants. This will minimise medical complications to the occupants. To add on that, you should go for ventilator ducts that have cowls for the efficient removal of the gases given off by the engine.