When taking a typical week vacation with family and friends sailing from home port, what are the most common breakdowns? What spare parts and tools do you carry on board for these fixable [hopefully] emergencies?
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The head!!!
Worst area is the head should be your amin concern. After that electrical faults, engine trouble (less likley with a diesel) and leaking hatches.
Worst area is the head should be your amin concern. After that electrical faults, engine trouble (less likley with a diesel) and leaking hatches.
must-haves
The longer the voyage, the longer the list of must-have spares, but here's what I'd consider essential for a short hop: Spares: raw-water impellor for engine; alternator belt; fuel filters (two of each); fuses; a back-up bilge pump; a second VHF and GPS; spare prop. In terms of tools, carry a bolt cutter in case the rig goes down, and an electrical kit with connectors, crimper, circuit tester, et cetera. You should have some sort of mallet onboard with tapered soft-wood plugs for failed thru-hulls. Take an assortment of spare hose clamps. Have whatever tools you need to bleed the engine, adjust engine mounts, tune rigging turnbuckles et cetera. I always carry a few extra circuit breakers for the control panel. Have an assortment of cotter pins, bolts and screws. Carry a sail repair kit, complete with sticky tape. Always have a roll of riggers tape onboard. As Colin suggested, I always carry a head rebuild kit, and a spare macerator impellor. THE ABOVE LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE. I'm sure others will add what I've forgotten.
The longer the voyage, the longer the list of must-have spares, but here's what I'd consider essential for a short hop: Spares: raw-water impellor for engine; alternator belt; fuel filters (two of each); fuses; a back-up bilge pump; a second VHF and GPS; spare prop. In terms of tools, carry a bolt cutter in case the rig goes down, and an electrical kit with connectors, crimper, circuit tester, et cetera. You should have some sort of mallet onboard with tapered soft-wood plugs for failed thru-hulls. Take an assortment of spare hose clamps. Have whatever tools you need to bleed the engine, adjust engine mounts, tune rigging turnbuckles et cetera. I always carry a few extra circuit breakers for the control panel. Have an assortment of cotter pins, bolts and screws. Carry a sail repair kit, complete with sticky tape. Always have a roll of riggers tape onboard. As Colin suggested, I always carry a head rebuild kit, and a spare macerator impellor. THE ABOVE LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE. I'm sure others will add what I've forgotten.
Remember that most break-downs on extended cruises
are due to lack of preventive maintenance before leaving home (actually due to the lack of ANY preventive maintenance EVER). Replacing impellers, rebuilding toilets, checking belts and rigging for signs of wear etc on a regular schedule will go a long way toward eliminating the need for repairs while away from home.
are due to lack of preventive maintenance before leaving home (actually due to the lack of ANY preventive maintenance EVER). Replacing impellers, rebuilding toilets, checking belts and rigging for signs of wear etc on a regular schedule will go a long way toward eliminating the need for repairs while away from home.
did anyone mention....
engine oil, an emergency VHF antenna, a multimeter and spare flashlight batteries? A lot depends on your equipment. Some of it, a watermaker, for example, is spare part intensive. I would include a rebuild kit for every pump aboard, including the fresh water system, whether pressurized or not. For a cruise of a week or less, just start by thinking of which systems you can't live without. Some people don't consider an engine crucial to the outcome of the cruise, although most do. Those who do, might even carry a spare water pump, alternator, or starter ahead of engine mounts, although that is probably overkill unless you are cruising full-time.
engine oil, an emergency VHF antenna, a multimeter and spare flashlight batteries? A lot depends on your equipment. Some of it, a watermaker, for example, is spare part intensive. I would include a rebuild kit for every pump aboard, including the fresh water system, whether pressurized or not. For a cruise of a week or less, just start by thinking of which systems you can't live without. Some people don't consider an engine crucial to the outcome of the cruise, although most do. Those who do, might even carry a spare water pump, alternator, or starter ahead of engine mounts, although that is probably overkill unless you are cruising full-time.
oh yeah
You'll also need a spare case those !@#$ little refrigerator latches. I order mine by the dozen.
You'll also need a spare case those !@#$ little refrigerator latches. I order mine by the dozen.
Agree with everyone
I agree with everyone but would add: 1. Be discreet in loading up the boat with this stuff, because it will scare the crew into thinking the worst. I don't know how to casually bring a bolt cutter on board, perhaps in your pants. 2. Bring 3 or 4 big jugs of water to drink or wash with. 3. Find marinas to duck into every 2-3 days to preclude bringing everything but the kitchen sink.
I agree with everyone but would add: 1. Be discreet in loading up the boat with this stuff, because it will scare the crew into thinking the worst. I don't know how to casually bring a bolt cutter on board, perhaps in your pants. 2. Bring 3 or 4 big jugs of water to drink or wash with. 3. Find marinas to duck into every 2-3 days to preclude bringing everything but the kitchen sink.
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