Backfire Flame Control

Information from the Code of Federal Regulations Title 46 Part 25/58

Gasoline engines installed in a motorboat or motor vessel after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors, must be equipped with an acceptable means of backfire flame control.

The backfire flame arrestor (BFA) must be suitably secured to the air intake with a flame-tight connection, and is required to be either U.S. Coast Guard approved or comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards and marked accordingly.

• Air and fuel induction systems usually found on personal watercraft
• Velocity stacks (attachments to carburetors)
• Reed-type (found in outboards)

Information from A Boater’s Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats and Safety tips