Many people in Florida buy different boats for business and recreational purposes. Salvage boat firms and other individuals that buy from Florida boat auctions for sale sometimes restore the fuel systems the DIY way before taking to the waterways. Practising DIYs on boat fuel systems with little knowledge to back up the action is not only foolhardy, but dangerous and against the law. Whether you purchase a brand new boat from an authorized dealer or go for salvage boat auctions, adhering to the federal regulations is imperative for safety and to avoid getting at odds with the law. In this blog post, we cover a few important federal regulations for gasoline engines that make for safe and legal boating experiences.
Why Should You be Concerned?
The practice of buying salvage boats and trying to rebuild them in the absence of expert help is tantamount to dicing with death or criminal charges, whichever comes first. That is because gasoline is flammable and, under certain conditions, explosive in nature. That is why all components related to the fuel system, such as gas tank and carburetor, should meet federal regulations to ensure that they are fire resistant and durable.
Which Regulations are Applicable?
The US Coast Guard has set very stringent specifications and requirements for the safety of recreational boats, starting from less than 16 feet up to 65 feet. Some of the most important non-technical regulations include:
- After fire testing, the hose clamps must endure one pound tensile force in any direction, without breaking, cracking, separating, or deforming.
- Carburetors must not overflow or be vented to outside air.
- The manufacturer of the fuel tank must test and certify that the fuel tank adheres to federal rules and regulations.
- Any opening in gasoline fuel tank, such as fuel inlet and opening for the level gauge, must be on the topmost surface of the tank.
What is Fire Testing?
Fire testing includes numerous tests to determine whether the product qualifies for the minimum standards of performance or not. For USCG approval on recreational boats, the fuel system must reach the standards set by organizations such as UL and SAE. Fire testing is carried out in a fireproof room where a fuel system, filled with gasoline, is introduced to direct flames for two and half minutes. There are a few more conditions that ought to be met in such tests – firstly, the temperature within one inch of the product must reach 648 degree Celsius or 1200 degree Fahrenheit. Secondly, after the test, the fuel system should not leak or be damaged.
Conclusion
Federal rules and regulations relating to gasoline engines on recreational boats are there to keep boaters safe. Boaters who buy salvage boats for sale at Florida boat auctions and other places must follow applicable rules and regulations to sail their boats safely and legally. Boating is a great form of recreation and source of business for many. If you want to buy salvage boats for sale, check out our extensive range of boats at SalvageBid. To learn more about available options, send us an email at info@salvagebid.com and we will take it up from there. You can also call us at +1-360-347-1300.