Question: In my inspections I am beginning to come across new power boats and re-powered boats that have inboard multi-port or direct fuel injected gas engines. What are the rules for flame arresters for these types of engines. These engines are pretty well shrouded and if they are required to have a flame arrestor it is very difficult to locate.

Answer: All gasoline powered boats are required to have a backfire flame arrestor. VE's should try to check these boats for tight and clean arrestors but should not attempt to disassemble anything to do so.

All gasoline powered boats are required to have a backfire flame arrestor. VE's should try to check these boats for tight and clean arrestors but should not attempt to disassemble anything to do so.

The VE manual would indicate that if access to the backfire flame arrestor requires disassembly, the VE should not attempt to disassemble or require the owner/operator to disassemble, but advise the boater to clean the arrester on a regular basis with soap and water, or a commercial cleaner made for that purpose.