RedactedNarrative: On November 10, 2017 at approximately 1115 hours, subject while docked at Thunderboat Marine Center in Dania Beach Florida, attempted to start his 1999 Formula 33' , DO 1083270, at the docks after working on the fuel tank sending unit. 
  
  Fumes in the bilge ignited and flashed in the engine compartment. Blowers were running and the bilges were clean and dry. Fire was extinguished using hand held extinguishers. Fire was contained in the engine compartment with heat damage evident on the cowling, over the engine seating areas, and adjacent fiberglass. 
  
  Operator stated he purchased the vessel new in 1999 and had recently replaced both engines. On 11/09/2017, he was out on the boat and ran out of fuel. He was towed to the dock at Thunderboat Marine center where he keeps his boat in storage and put 100 gallons on gasoline into the vessel. On the morning of 11/10/2017, noticing the fuel gauges were not reading properly, Operator removed the sending units from the top of the fuel tank. 
  
  The sensor appeared to be functional so he replaced the sending unit in the tank using the rubber gasket and carefully tightening all screws. He then exited the engine compartment and energized the blowers. Blowers were running and the bilges were clean and dry. Upon starting the engines, the Fumes in the bilge ignited and flashed in the engine compartment. 
  
  Operator and a dockhand from Thunderboat Marina quickly extinguished the fire using (3) ten pound extinguishers. Broward County Fire Rescue responded and confirmed the fire was out. There were no injuries and the damage was limited to the vessels engine compartment, engine cover, over engine settee, and surrounding fiberglass. 
  
  There was no discharge of oil, bilge water or any other substance into the water. No damage to any other docks, structures, flora, or fauna. Vessel was in exceptional condition for the age and otherwise in good repair. Vessel was not insured. Safety inspection completed after the incident noted no deficiencies in safety equipment. Three discharged fire extinguishers were on the dock near the vessel. Estimated damage is $10,000. Vessel was removed from the water for further inspection and repair.
  