This summer we were in Anacortes, tied to the dock. A mechanic was working on our transmission in a lazarette. He carelessly shorted the battery, starting a fire. We needed a fire extinguisher. By this time the cabin was full of smoke! But I had to go down there and get it. Well the fire was put out. With only minor damage except the wiring (which the company replaced). I got a little smoke in my lungs, which was very uncomfortable.
This was a very scary experience. But it taught us a very important lesson that we want to share with you. Keep a fire extinguisher in the cockpit. Have your dinghy readily available in case . . . We decided to keep a waterproof emergency box on deck containing the following : life jackets, knife, bolt cutters, flares, strobe, and a handheld VHF.
George and Barbara Kent, Gypsy