RedactedNarrative: On 09/03/2017 at approximately 10:45hrs, after refueling his 1988 Celebrity boat at the Mill Creek Lake fuel, Operator pushed away from the dock.  When Operator attempted to start his watercraft he heard a pop and observed the engine cover and had blown off and a fire was burning port side near the stern.  Operator stated his passengers jumped off the watercraft and he attempted unsuccessfully to put out the fire with two fire extinguishers.  Operator then jumped into the water and the boat continued to burn. 
  
  Operator said he failed to vent prior to starting.  
  
  Operator said he had no recent service performed on the watercraft.  
  
  Operator said the engine was not the original engine and had been repowered by a mechanic in Minnesota several years ago.
  