Operator started vessel and reversed vessel out of the boat launch.  Operator stated that the vessel ran for approximately five minutes when the engine compartment exploded, blowing the engine cover off.  The operator saw flames and jumped overboard into the water.  o\Operator then tried to put out the fire from the water with a fire extinguisher.  Putnam Twp. Fire Department responded and put out the fire.  There were no injuries.

I called the operator/owner on 10/20/2010.  He stated that he had the blower running for 10 minutes prior to that.  He did not smell gas, until the very last moment.  The fire captain could not explain it either.  He said he had a thought that maybe one of the gas hoses had come loose and that's why it was so sudden.  He also mentioned he has a lot of experience, is in the military (navy) and knows what he is doing.  He does not really know what happened, but suspects a gas hose came loose, but is not sure.
Putnam Township               