RedactedNarrative: On August 14, 2015 at approximately 4:00pm, Operator was operating while unloading Sea Ray Boat from the boat trailer. She was south of Goat Island in Osprey Cove on Lake Gaston.  
   
  The operator put the blower on before cranking the boat on the trailer. Once the boat was cranked Operator proceeded to take the boat off the trailer while two others were still ashore.  Operator proceeded north towards Goat island for approximately 200 to 300 yards with the blower still running. When Operator turned around and headed south to boat house Operator then cut the blower off and continued approximately 200 to 300 yards back to the boat house. 
   
   Operator was 15 to 20 feet from the dock, put the boat in neutral, and was waiting for Occupant1 to get to the boat house to help her dock the Sea Ray Boat. While the Sea Ray Boat was in neutral Operator heard a loud pop and boom. At that time, the seat cushions flew up in the air and then came down striking Operator on top of the head. Occupant1 heard the explosion and saw the cushions in the air when he was 10 to 15 yards from the dock. Operator was looking for the fire extinguisher and trying to get it out while the stern of the Sea Ray was burning at a fast rate. Occupant1 was hollering and telling Operator to jump out of the boat. Operator jumped and swam to the dock.  By the time Operator reached the dock the Sea Ray was engulfed in flames. Occupant1 called 911 at or about 4:15pm. Fire Station 21 responded and arrived at or about 4:30pm. I received  the report at 4:11pm from Raleigh Dispatch and arrived on the scene at or about 5:30pm.  No injuries occurred beyond first aid. 
  
  Due to my investigation, operator/witness statements and interviews, I can only come to a conclusion that there was come kind of mechanical failure. After looking at the Sea Ray Boat the next day there was one part of the engine and exhaust system that stood out. The starboard (right) side manifold looked to be made out of cast iron 90 degree fitting had a big hole in it and was burned severely. The port (left) side manifold looked to be in excellent condition.  I feel like the right manifold could have contributed to the pop that Operator heard and the explosion directly afterwards.
   