Operator 1 stated his 1994 Mastercraft was winterized in 2008 in Culver, Indiana. He said he started the vessel in the driveway of his residence and ran the engine for 2-3 minutes on 5/30/09.
	On 5/31/09 he topped off the fuel tank at an off shore fueling station in Culver, and then drove to the Lake Maxinkuckee Public Access boat ramp. He said he ran the engine compartment ventilation blower and opened the engine compartment lid 1.5 - 2 inches on the way to the ramp.  Operator 1 was the only occupant of the vessel upon launching from the trailer. He said the vessel's engine was running poorly and sounded as if it was missing. Operator 1 said the engine compartment exploded within seconds of putting the vessel in forward gear. He said the ventilation blower was still running after the explosion. He could not access his fire extinguisher because it was near the engine compartment. The vessel burned down to the hull before Fire Department could extinguish the flames.
	Operator 1 said he is the original owner of the vessel and holds title to it. I contacted his insurance provider, and found  Operator 1 to carry liability insurance only. Operator 1 said he has been operating motorboats since 1965. 
	Due to the condition of the vessel, I was unable to determine the source of the fuel fumes and spark source.
Culver                        