Due diligence excercise

[chill99]

I've seen several posts here dealing with keeping spare parts (impeller, belts, etc) and tools on the boat, so I've started that practice myself. The other day I decided to change my impeller and thought it would be a good excercise to do this with ONLY the normal tools I carry in the boat. I was pleased that I was able to complete the task. Nothing too great about all that, but thought it was worth passing on.

[Flux]

RE: Due diligence excercise

I do this as well, sticking with the tool bag on the boat and not heading into the garage for other tools. It's nice to just break open the toolbag and get to business.

Over the weekend there was an 04 SAN there, the owner introduced himself and we chatted for a while. he asked me if I take my boat down to CCC for maintenance. I explained that we do it ourselves to avoid the trailer ride and to keep up easily with it. He later asked me if I had an allen wrench so he could tighten his speakers. I dove into the bag, presented him the set and a ratchet. He seemed somewhat surprised, but grateful none the less. He gave me some good info about Powell so it's an even swap. I am always glad to help someone out though, pay it forward so to speak.

Anyone thinking about getting some tools for the boat should check out places like Harborfreight.com and the champion line by craftsman at your local sears. I managed to put together a pretty darn nice set of tools for $150. Sockets, Ratchets, Allen sockets, Extender, screwdrivers of all types, pliers set, wire stripper, open end wrenches, adjustable wrenches, a small breaker bar for the socket, knife, tape(s), some silicone grease for o-rings, wire nuts, cheap multimeter.

I also carry all fluids, spare belts, & a spare impeller. Extra prop & puller in the truck.

All that seems excessive, but when you do the math of how much a weekend at the lake works out to, a few hundred in spare parts is good insurance for your time.

[JoeCos]

RE: Due diligence excercise

Since we are on the tools subjet and preventive maintenance subject, what does PCM engines require ? Is it SAE or Metric ? Or do you folks recommend having both ? And what are the most common size sockets to bring along ?

I'm looking to bring / build a toolbox on board, but wanted to get the important stuff ?

[Flux]

RE: Due diligence excercise

I have both SAE and Metric for the sockets, allenhead sockets, and the open end wrenches. I had thought of simply going over the engine and boat and checking all the proper sizes on there and limiting the tool kit to those. But then I thought about the fact that we also have our trucks with us and the trailer, so I simply got both and threw them in there, better to have and not want. I am fairly certain that the PCM uses SAE bolts etc.

[EchoLodge]

RE: Due diligence excercise

I too carry spare impeller, belts, bilge pump, and oil in my boat. I have always done my own maintenance. No one cares for your boat better then you do. I have heard stories about reputable dealers making big mistakes when doing services. This can ruin a trip in no time. If you do your own maintenance, you save cash and have the ability to trouble shoot a mechanical issue on the water. Most of the maintanance is pretty easy stuff.

[Zwengit]

Flux

I'm right there with you bud . . . the boys at CCC are great, but sometimes they're a little bit too busy to get me back on the water as quick as I need to be there. Harbor Frt's a great place to get tools cheap, but I've busted a bunch of their wrenches and other tools. Most of their stuff comes from China -- it's labelled "Pittsburgh" as if its made in the States.

All comes down to "you get what you pay for". But I agree with you, spend a few $ on spare tools to keep on the boat and it can save you a weekend of having your boat stuck on the trailer.