RedactedNarrative: The owner/boat operator said that he had just launched his boat and parked it on the beach while he parked his vehicle and trailer. He then went back to the boat which was running and started to pull away from the launch area. He said he heard the motor sputter and a loud pop in the motor compartment and then observed smoke and fire. He attempted to put the fire out with the boat's fire extinguisher. He was still next to shore and was able to exit the boat safely. He said when he launched the boat he did not turn the blower on. He said that he did have the engine cover in the open position. He said it was the first trip with the boat for the summer and he had approximately 1/2 tank of fuel in the boat. The boat was a total loss. The fire was put out by the fire department.