Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 07-08-2014, 18:41   #16
Registered User

Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Kilmarnock, VA
Boat: Nordhavn 46, 46'
Posts: 313
Re: Spare Parts Inventory

Spares are a huge problem. When I was in the army, we had a demand-based system. So many demands for a spare in a certain time frame established a basis to stock that part. When one thinks of what one "could" need, well, we all will be towing a barge of parts behind us unless we get a better system

I think we have to use a demand history and common sense. And the cost of stocking spares will also get one's attention. I have a Moody boat like Dockhead, a well-built boat, and my manual bilge pump failed last month. I test it monthly, so I knew it went bad before an emergency arose. A Whale Gusher, so I bought the kit and rebuilt it. A failed gray water pump is not the same urgency as a failed bilge pump. Like Dockhead, I have two gray water pumps, so I could move to another part of the boat for my shower. But I have not bought a second kit for the bilge pump. The original lasted 14 years.

But--I might. I don't have answers. Logisticians have spent years trying to get the balance between what are necessary spares, the cost of spares, the consequences of failure, and the ability to carry spares, correct. I know how many millions Uncle Sam has spent to no avail. Got to use the age of your boat, your experience, and knowledge of your boat, coupled with your ability to improvise and fix. Even if you could afford to by every spare you might need, you cannot carry it. Got to keep room for the booze, you know. Not easy answers or checklists.

But--you can really help yourself by keeping a computer-based inventory on what you have and where it is. I will never admit to how many parts I have bought only to find, "damn, I already have that one."

This is a worthy topic.
Moody46CC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2014, 19:53   #17
Registered User

Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: San Diego
Boat: Pearson 39-2 "Sea Story"
Posts: 1,109
Re: Spare Parts Inventory

I started to do this with everything we found on board, but it turned out that I don't know what all of it is. I put all the engine stuff in a bag - if I need something for the engine, I will check there first.
Greenhand is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2014, 21:51   #18
Registered User

Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,687
Re: Spare Parts Inventory

When you buy spare rubber/synthetic parts, wipe them with Armorall(sp?) and store them in seal-a-meal bags or zip locks. Oxygen and air-pollutants are the killer of diaphrams, impellors, or anything similar. Armorall protects against oxygen, etc. Worth a try! ______Grant.
gjordan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-08-2014, 10:38   #19
Registered User
 
Andrew B.'s Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 347
Re: Spare Parts Inventory

Quote:
Originally Posted by carstenb View Post
Dockhead

I carry a ton of spares just for coastal cruising. Our friends laugh at me.

One little trick I've used is that every time I find I need a screw or a bolt - I buy 5 of them. This has led to having a rather large inventory of screws, nuts and bolts - but I'm also never stimied by not having one if I strip the head or threads or lose one overboard (do not ask how I know this is a PITA).

I'm putting together a spreadsheet of "mission critical" parts, spares and replacements for our RTW. This list is getting longer and longer (sigh).

My biggest problem so far is organising and stowing it all so I can find it

I find myself frequently helping others in marinas when they need spares - and I'm amazed that they sail without even the basics.
I bet this sailor might wish he had you as a mentor.

"Another young Australian sailor David Dicks missed out on a 'non-stop unassisted' circumnavigation in 1996 by accepting one small bolt mid-ocean in order to repair his yacht. "

What "one small bolt" would be that critical in nature that some sort of jury rigged substitute couldn't be found on board ? Whatever it is, I want at least three spares !

Duck tape, and bailing wire: Don't leave home without it...
__________________

"The best cure for sea sickness, is to sit under a tree."
~Spike Milligan.
.............."Life's not fair, and people don't act right"~Me.........
Andrew B. is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
parts

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
For Sale: Inventory of Used Parts from Tartan 30 and 34 Ohiosailor Classifieds Archive 1 10-06-2010 18:10
Perkins Prima 50HP Spare Parts ruedieppler Engines and Propulsion Systems 8 25-09-2008 12:23
What spare parts to carry Randall General Sailing Forum 2 16-04-2008 12:25
Spare Parts? exposure General Sailing Forum 29 20-10-2005 08:39
Spare Parts for a Little Wonder 6gph watermaker Salacia Cooking and Provisioning: Food & Drink 0 14-05-2005 01:00

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:47.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.