boiler inspoections in the US?

[dalerimkunas]

Do Americans get their their boilers inspected/tested/certified in any way?

[Kelly Anderson]

That's a complicated question. In the US, most boiler inspections are handled by the individual states. The problems arise from there.

Most states follow the ASME and NBIC boiler codes, but each state is free to follow only those portions of the codes that they want to, so what passes with no problem in one state may not pass in its neighbors. Also, each state's inspections are only good in that state (with some exceptions where states recognize neighbor's inspections). The result is that getting your boiler inspected at home is great, but may not be worth anything at a lake or meet that is across state lines.

Another potential problem is that manually fired boilers with manual water level control are hopelessly obsolete from the point of view of the average state boiler inspector, who may or may not have the slightest idea what he is looking at in your boat. Among certain beaurocrats unfamiliarity leads to instinctive butt covering that results in a instantaneous "no" coming from the wrong type of inspector.

Note that if you are operating a commercial enterprise of any sort with your boat, then you must be inspected officially as well as be insured to the nth degree.

There is a verbal understanding among some inspectors that our little boilers aren't worth their time, in that most of the time, our boats are out in the middle of the lake where no one of the general public is likely to be endangered outside of ourselves, making them less of a threat than steam operated equipment in the middle of say, a county fair. Also, the close proximity of our boilers to us while under way makes it incumbent on us to be sure that they are in a safe condition for no other reason than self preservation.

Accordingly, I inspect and hydro test my boiler myself every winter for the following reasons: I am intimately familiar with its construction, and modestly familiar with the code rules that apply. Also, my boat spends most of its steaming days outside of my home state of Pennsylvania, where the PA inspection slip isn't beaurocratically worth the paper it's written on.

If you aren't familiar with your boiler's construction, or what to look for when inspecting it, then by all means, bring in an expert (whether from the state or a nearby competent hobbyist, and listen closely to what he has to say.

[dalerimkunas]

Thank you, that was a fantastic response. I asked because I have searched for boiler inspection and have come up with nothing anywhere that was related to hobbyist needs. I'm purchasing a boat and was really unsure how to go forward as far as not worrying about safety for my family. Are there sources of info for home self hydrostatic tests? Or any other recommendations for assurance? I'm in NY state by the way.

[Lopez Mike]

As an educational and reasonable practice, I recommend reading the safety and hydro testing parts of this organization's web site. To attend any society event a boat operator must have the boiler tested under the eyes of a designated club safety officer.
Club site: https://www.northweststeamsociety.org/
Safety section: https://www.northweststeamsociety.org/safety

The respective state inspectors (Washington and Oregon), as much as they are even aware of us, have indicated that they would rather not be bothered as long as we continue our flawless safety record. Also, inspecting us might open up a colossal can of worms over espresso machines. No state is funded for that!

For myself, I hydro test my boiler several times a year especially if I've made any changes. Any boiler operator who is even slightly nervous about such a test should seriously think about why. I have VFT and often fill it up, pump it up, look for drips and leaks and then forget it overnight. A test to 1.5 times the safety valve setting does NOT strain the system in any way.

Welcome to the hobby!

Mike
S.L. Spiffy

[barts]

I would contact other steamboat owners in your state to determine if there are any state-specific details of which you need to be aware... these folks may also be able to help you find out more details of your proposed purchase of which the seller may or may not be aware. Failing that, I'd try contacting the folks building and running live steam locomotives in your area.

The scariest boiler condition and installation I've ever seen in a steamboat (which also appeared in highly dubious condition) was owned by a retired boiler inspector.... both outlasted the fellow.

The yearly (or more often) hydro test is a critical part of the basic safety mantra... another important part is fire safety. We have the only boats on the water where we have to have a fire onboard in order to operate. Wood-fired boats have it easier here; those of us w/ diesel or scary propane fired boilers have to pay extra attention. I've yet to see anyone w/ a gasoline fired boiler, although they're of course common in steam cars.

[dalerimkunas]

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you very much.

Dale