Victims left Hope marina in their 26 foot aluminum boat.  They had traveled about half a mile when a large explosion occurred on the boat.  The floorboards in the cabin and deck were all blown upward.  The inspection plate on the top of the engine pod was also blown upward.  The explosion caused major damage in the cabin and most of the windows were blown away.  Operator received minor burns, the passenger received no injuries.  An investigation revealed the cause of the explosion was gas vapors in the bilge.
Hope                          