Spare parts for dinghy outboard - what should I carry?

[TheOffice]

Just bought a used 4 hp Yamaha.

Want to carry the basic spares

spark plugs
fuel filters
impeller

What else?
For now, it is coastal cruising on the East coast.

[Calif.Ted]

Shear pins for propeller, I've got 2 lashed to the cowl.

[Cheechako]

-If it has shear pin carry that.
If not you would need to carry a spare prop. Although you can idle along with a spun hub.
-Electronic ignition? If a module goes bad you can only replace it or the engine wont run.
-Good oars, especially if it's an inflatable. They don't row well anyway, maybe impossible in wind, have wood oars.

[TheOffice]

Adding shear pin to the list. Thanks guys!

[IslandInfedel]

I did a carb upgrade for some more power on a merc, kept the old (basically new condition) carb, seeing how most issues are carb related it feels good to have a fully assembled backup.

[model 10]

A new pull rope and an a anchor!

[Jammer]

Fuel pump if it uses a remote tank (not sure on the 4hp)


Otherwise the basics have been covered upthread.


At a certain point it makes more sense to just carry a spare outboard motor, swap as necessary and deal with problems at your leisure. Depends how far you go.


A fact to consider is that 2-3 hp motors are available and are lighter and may make better spares.

[a64pilot]

Ignitions are actually pretty reliable, if your going to carry one of those, might also carry a spare magneto.
I wouldn’t though not in the US anyway.
So long as your in the US, I don’t think you need that many spares, unless it’s newer two stroke, because I don’t think many dealers stock parts for motors that aren’t sold in the US.
Not US dealers anyway.

I keep waffling on buying a little Suzuki 2.5 as a spare or not. Really would have no use for it, except as a spare.

[Tin Tin]

emergency stop clip

[Chenega]

Originally Posted by Tin Tin

emergency stop clip

Zip-tie works in a pinch....

[TheOffice]

Thanks everyone! Have a small anchor. Good tip on the zip-tie!

External fuel tank is optional. Don't have one yet.

[alansmith]

Spare prop is a must for me. I also carry a spare carb rebuild kit. Depending where you cruise it is wise to have a way to pre-filter the gas before it goes to the can. In Mexico it can be a problem with dirty gas. I also like the idea of lanyards on tools if working over the water.

Do you have adequate protection on your ob to prevent theft? Outboards in some areas are high theft items. I like stainless wire woven into my painter. I like a way to keep the gas can, oars, and engine to all be locked down together. Decent lock.

Don’t forget to have motor mounted in such a way that it is a bee otch to remove from the transom.

[TheOffice]

Alan I’ve got locks for the motor and chain. I’ll add some Solas tape and maybe some bumper stickers to make the cowling unattractive.

East coast US for now, so gas should be clean?

[Cool Hand Luke]

One of these extra kill switches:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KK93IA



Useful for yourself and a fellow neighbor in need.

[hlev00]

Drifting a bit off the spares topic...

Carb cleaner, though you may not need to keep it on the boat. Pulling the carb apart on board always feels like high risk unless you can get the OB into the cockpit. And to delay needing the carb cleaner, I put seafoam in with each fill up, unless you are lucky enough to be where you can buy ethanol-free fuel. The Seafoam still isn't a bad idea. I have also heard recommendations to use high-octane fuel. I try to stick with major brand gasoline from a gas station that does a brisk business. Valvtect fuel if I have a choice when buying from a marina. No scientific basis for it though.

Harry
s/v Juno