While under way, the passengers began smelling smoke and then saw smoke emitting from the engine compartment.  The passengers immediately put on their pfds.  operator shut down the motor and lifted the engine cover and deployed a fire extinguisher to put out the fire.  subject turned off the batteries and called for assistance to get back to the boat ramp.  The fire appears to be an electrical cause which ignited the foam insulation in the engine compartment.  The batteries indicate the possibility of faulty wiring due to the fact that the engine still has power after the battery switch is placed in the off position.  Damage by the fire to the engine and wiring is unknown at this time and is possibly well over $2000.00
NEW BERN                      