[C320-list] fire port in engine cover

[Art Peel via C320-list]

Hello,

New owner here. I'm thinking about adding a fire port. Has anyone done that and have suggestions for placement & drilling, or reasons not to do it?

I'm thinking of putting it on the forward port side, so it's not blocked by the stairs.

Thanks in advance,

Art






--
Art Peel
"Step Two" #41 (1994)
c320...@g3h5.com

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

I would put that way down on my list of priorities on a new-to-me 320. The chance of a diesel engine fire is really remote, unless you or a PO have done crazy things with the wiring harness.

You're more likely to get a fire from someone adding electronics without proper fusing. Which would place a fire near the electric panel or the batteries. In particular, be suspicious of anything wired directly to the batteries, except for a bilge pump. In my case, even the bilge pump has a circuit breaker.

More likely worries are the standing rigging, running rigging, lifelines, anchor line and other gear that could be original to the boat. You want to have a plan to check and steadily replace original gear so that you don't get surprised one day on the water.

About a year ago, I had a forestay fitting go that was hidden by the furler. It was in 20 knot-plus winds, and I was singlehanding. It was challenging and a little fun to get the forestay and furler under control before the mast came down.

I suppose I'm saying to relax, but remain diligent. Boats die of neglect. Don't be one of those owners who lets things go to hell to save a few dollars. Boats are always a losing proposition, financially. If you can afford it, you just pay the money to do the maintenance and enjoy your time on the water.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.









________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Art Peel via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2025 10:47 PM
To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: Art Peel <c320...@g3h5.com>
Subject: [C320-list] fire port in engine cover

[John Frost via C320-list]

Good advice. But we put one in the side of the wooden engine cover just in case of a fuel leak somehow ignited. Very unlikely but worth the $10 for peace of mind
Sent from my iPhone
John Frost

> On Oct 25, 2025, at 10:15 PM, Jack Brennan via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> I would put that way down on my list of priorities on a new-to-me 320. The chance of a diesel engine fire is really remote, unless you or a PO have done crazy things with the wiring harness.