On 7-17-2011 I, CPO received a call from Iowa DNR water patrol reference a boat fire.  I spoke with boat operator.  Operator stated he was operating a 1994 Power Quest Legend XL  on Mississippi River Pool #15 just south of Kay Island (River Mile 491.0).  Operator stated white smoke came out of the engine compartment at 12:10 PM.  Operator stated he looked at all the engine gauges and they read normal.  Operator and passenger used a hand held fire extinguisher and water to put the fire out.  Operator stated they were about to abandon the boat due to the amount of smoke engulfing the boat when they regained control of the fire.  Operator stated they were towed into shore and he put the boat back on the trailer.
 Operator stated the boat is well maintained by Tempo Marine and the boat recently received routine service.  Operator stated the boat was running the best it''s ever ran prior to the fire starting.   Operator stated he launched the boat 10 minutes prior to the fire starting.  Operator stated after the fire was put out they felt intense heat coming off the engine for over 30 minutes.  I was unable to determine the cause of the fire.  Operator stated he was taking the boat to Tempo Marine Monday morning.  Operator was issued written warning J343501 for battery terminals not being covered and for improper display of valid registration numbers.
I made contact with Tempo Marine on 07-20-2011.  The boat inspection revealed a water pump malfunctioned and the motor was not getting any water.  The motor continued to run and get very hot.  The exhaust area was the hottest point.  The rubber boots connecting the exhaust system caught on fire.  It appears the built in Halon (fire extinguisher system in engine compartment) system failed.  The gauge system may have stuck and not registered the engine as hot.  Tempo Marine state the damage is at least $2,001.00.  The motor is going to have to be pulled out of the boat and gone over.  The fiberglass near the exhaust pipes may have been damaged due to the heat.   Due to the age of the boat it''s possible the insurance company will determine it''s a total loss. 


East Moline, IL 61244         