RedactedNarrative: On Sunday, July 14th, five people went for boat ride on Lake Iamonia. Subject owned a 1983 24’ Chaparral cuddy cabin that he planned on selling and took for test drive. They launched the boat at Bull Headley landing and ran the boat across the lake to Iamonia landing. 
  
  During the trip, the engine started having technical issues, so they stopped and adjusted the fuel regulator. The engine continued having problems, so they adjusted the fuel regulator a second time. This time the engine would only idle. They decided to return to Bull Headley landing and put the boat on the trailer. Because of the engine issues they were forced to idle the 4 miles back. 
  
  At around mile 3, operator smelled gas and as he turned to say something to Subject there was an explosion. 
  
  The explosion separated the deck from the hull and Operator was unable to hold on to the steering wheel. The cuddy cabin door was blown off and shattered. Flames were visible coming from the bow, cuddy cabin and engine compartment. The PFD’s were on fire and the fire extinguisher was blown forward into the flames near the cuddy cabin. Everyone immediately jumped into the water and swam away from the burning boat.
  
  A good Samaritan saw the smoke and heard the explosion. He immediately headed in their direction to help. When he arrived all 5 people were in the channel swimming away from the burning vessel. A black jet ski driven by a second good Samaritan arrived on scene and they both began to pull the everyone out of the water. Everyone involved in the explosion was put on the boat and taken to shore. 
  
  TFD and FWC responded and attempted to extinguish the fire with fire extinguishers but failed. More resources were called in by TFD and the fire was put out a short time later. FWC towed the vessel back to Bull Headley landing and after TFD checked for any “hot spots” the boat was floated back on the trailer. The boat was kept at the landing until a TFD investigator responded.
  
  While the vessel fire was being handled, Leon County EMS responded and checked the boaters for injuries. All were sore and had minor bruising but were cleared by EMS. One of the 5 on board later went to TMH Northeast to be reevaluated and was cleared a short time later. 
  
  There were several repairs done to the engine and fuel lines prior to the trip. All new parts were from West Marine and were marine grade. New fuel lines were put in from the water separator to the engine, but no one could remember when the fuel line from the water separator to the tank was replaced, if ever. This was likely where the fuel leak occurred, allowing the gas to collect in the bilge. The spark most likely came from a damaged spark arrestor or automotive alternator, but the fire burned so hot all of the engine parts became warped, making a conclusion impossible.
  