V1 was traveling southbound across from Devils Fork Park when the operator and passenger noticed the port side engine stalled out.  Operator stopped and raised up the rear hatch and noticed the port side engine was totally engulfed in flames.  Operator stated fire extinguishers were on board both in the engine compartment and behind the driver's seat, but the flames were so hot and he was worried about the fule tank exploding that he and his passenger grabbed their life jackets and exited V1.  A passerby rendered assistance.  By the time the fire department arrived, V1 was totally engulfed.  After the fire was extinguished, V1 was towed to Devils Fork Park boat ramp and loaded onto a wrecker and taken to Hart of the Lake boat center.

Operator stated he has had problems in the past with the hydraulic hatch arm in the engine compartment.  He stated on several occasions the hatch arm vibrated against the oil filter puncturing it and causing oil to leak out onto the engine.  He also stated he bought the boat used and the twin 497 cubic inch engines were not factory engines.  He advised that the engine were slightly bigger than the original engines installed at the factory.
GREERS FERRY                  