What is this?

[Della and Dave]

So, we're getting familiar with Polars, and found this in the galley cabinet.  The hose comming out of it leads over the edge and into the engine compartment.  If you pull the ring, it pulls out showing a red shaft.  Is it like pulling the pin on a grenade?  It is no longer your friend? 

[SVJourney]

Well, I gotta say that you have stumped this chump.    Let us know as it sounds curious.

[PeteW]

Looks like and engine compartment fire suppression system.  Should go to a bottle of something. Halon is no longer approved because its a greenhouse gas. Like Freon it needs to be reclaimed. If you pulled the pin and nothing happened its already discharged or disabled.  Be careful with that until you know exactly what that trigger is connected to.  Pete

[Della and Dave]

Thanks Pete.  That sounds like that is probably it.  Nothing did happen when I pulled, so I assume that means it is either deactivated or already expended.  I'll follow it to make sure and probably remove it. 

Polaris has 4 fire extinguishers, two of which are bran new.   We went with extinguishers that are rated for A, B, and C type fires, so if I have to fight one, I just grab the extinguisher that is close.  We have one in the V berth, one in the main cabin, a big one just to the starboard side of the engine door, and one in the port cockpit locker.