According to the operator, he purchased a boat for $1800.00.  He put all his safety equipment into the boat and backed it down into lake wylie at dale's access at approximately 7:15pm on 6/16/12.  He had drifted just away from the dock away from his boat trailer and attempted to crank the boat.  He said he heard a very loud explosion and was struck in the back of the head by some debris.  He looked back to see the boat in flames and jumped overboard soaking both his work cell phone and his personal cell phone.  The boat burned completely down to the hull including all his safety equipment and some recreational equipment.  No injuries were sustained and the operator was the only one involved in the accident.  The boat fire was put out by the local fire department and the boat was loaded back onto the trailer.  When i arrived on scene, the boat was on the trailer and was still smoldering.  It was obviously a complete loss.  The operator's story appeared to be accurate and he was very cooperative with the investigation.  The primary factor contributing to the accident was found to be faulty machinery in the boat motor, possibly including lack of backfire flame arrester.  No charges have been filed.
MOUNT HOLLY                   