Scary morning!!!!

K

kevinflanagan

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 26, 2012
Messages
66
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Non-Fluid Motion Model
R-31
Vessel Name
Heart Tug
We learned a lesson this morning while cruising. And I'm sure most of you know this and wouldn't have it happen to you.

I started smelling something burning, started looking around, all over the boat, raised the engine cover to check, all seemed fine. Smelled like wood burning so thought it was coming from the shore. About 15-20 minutes later the smoke got really bad. I was washing and putting dishes away, as I kneeled down to open a bottom cabinet saw smoke thru the back window behind on the stove. We had a dish towel and a wood clothespin in the sink....they caught on fire!!! Turns out the sink is like a magnifying glass and caught those 2 items on fire, it was almost burned completely by the time I found it. Luckily nothing below was damaged, except the sink stopper/rubber fitting underneath the sink, no other damage. We feel lucky and learned a HUGE lesson, will never have anything in the sink again!!!
 
Not anything I knew could happen! Scary indeed. Question, though: which sink are you talking about? I assume not the kitchen sink, because you were washing and putting away dishes. Bathroom? or is there a cockpit sink on the R31 and, if so, that sink?
 
Yes, it was a cockpit sink. And I told my husband it was 'sign' for me because today is our last cruising day for this trip and I was really bummed. I'm ok going home now🙂
 
P. S. don't mean this as a bad knock on the boat, just user error!
 
There was some discussion going around during the Desolation Sound Cruise about the R31 cockpit sinks having this fire/safety hazard and it was suggested that the sinks be kept empty while not in use. As we don't have the R31 I have not kept up with any further recommendations or changes in the sink from the factory.

Jim F
 
I know the 29 has a cockpit sink that has a cover when not in use. Perhaps the factory can replicate that on future 31 models so there's no chance for a fire.

Just a thought.
 
OK. Never saw the aft sink in a 31. But, I'm having a problem with this - not disputing your belief, it is just the science that seems improbable in my minds eye.
I'm assuming it is a round(ish) bowl of polished stainless that could act as a focusing mirror.. It has to bring the surface of the cloth/wood to 454 degrees or more. For that to happen the focal length of the curved rim/side is going to have to be the same as the diameter of the bowl and the angle of reflection of the overhead sun has to be correct to put the 'spot' of light on one of the object resting on the bottom or on the opposite side of the pan.

Was the towel dry? Had it been used to wipe any flammable substance, oil/polish/diesel that has a lower combustion temperature?
Could anyone have flicked a cigarette into the bowl or was the next boat over running their grill?
Did a shrimp boat go by and blow sparks out the stack?

Again, with all sincerity, not disputing you. Texas is known for heat and blinding sunlight. But in the hundreds of years of human habitation I am not aware of reports of spontaneous combustion of the contents of a polished metal pan sitting out in the sun.
 
Denny, I agree with what you said about all the conditions having to be 'just right' . I thought the same about someone possibly tossing a cigarette butt over(we never even passed another vessel while motoring). The wind was blowing pretty good that day, however it seemed too strong to ignite something, more like it would deter a flame. On our stove I have to really watch the amount of air flowing and monitor often and make sure flames don't get blown out.

And again I agree with your thoughts, it just seems so unlikely that we could have had the perfect conditions for what the explanation is, it is indeed baffling to me. I keep looking in the sink, what a strange thing to happen, and as I've said many times, scary!!!! I'm just so thankful that nothing below was damaged and most importantly we weren't in danger 🙂

BTW, we were cruising in FL in the ICW, temps weren't even hot, more mystery!
 
Gotta weigh in here ........
In a related incident ..... last winter while reading the Sunday paper I smelled smoke and after some searching found that the snow globe on my table had set my wallet on fire ! The globe was the size of my fist and that's all it took .
On a clean reflective surface , if the bend or corner has a curve close to a parabola , the resulting focal foint could well generate enough heat in a very small area of a dry paper towel or such to cause ignition . I have set fire to a hotdog with an 18 inch square piece of foil .
After reading about the mystery of the flaming sink , I made cardboard profiles of my sink corner and the curve where the side meets the bottom . Then , traced the shapes on graph paper . ( ya , waaaay to much time on my hands ) , did the math and I now believe its possible under very specific circumstances . The material would need to be about an inch and a half from the side or corner , darker, not very reflective and the sun from the right angle .
Soooooo. One vote for possible !
Next months science topic ......... Dry ice depth charges !!??
 
This happened to us on the Desolation Sound cruise. I had used a towel to wipe dew from desck area. I hung the towel over the faucet on the deck sink to air dry. We were in the lounge of our C-28 and I smelled smoke. As in your case, I started loking for source. Fortunately, I glanced in the direction of the deck sink..never expecting SMOKE to come from this area. I then saw the towel blackening and smoldering!!! This was a clean towel and had NOT been used except to wipe up dew!
I brought this up that evening at our gathering. Even mentioned it to cruise leaders, was told this has happened to others and that it was something to be aware of and not do again. I agree it would be good to have a sink cover.

Fair Winds and Calm Seas
Dave
 
Wow. I know that our tugs are hot stuff, but sheeeesh.
OK, with a second testimonial on record here I stand corrected.

Now Mike, on that burning bush, uummmm it was a bit before my time so I'll take it on faith but I doubt there was a tug in that desert.
 
Learned about this at work today when I noticed the cockpit sink on the R-31s are now a satin finish. Asked why we went away from the polished stainless, which was literally a mirror finish.... and heard the fire story. Makes sense, Perfect Parabolic Reflector. Decided to do a little more research and found your story. Certainly sorry to hear what happened, glad you caught it in time.

Happy boating everyone!!

Looking forward to start building another tomorrow!!
 
I finally can justify not cleaning the sink.
 
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