Recently we had a thread about tools and toolboxes. Now I am wondering how you carry and store spare parts. I am not permitted to use the drawers, that is storage for the First Mate. Right now I carry a large Rubbermaid container in a lazarette. Inside are lots of plastic containers(Cool Whip) with screws, bolts, hose clamps, gaskets, etc. But those are not big enough for the supply of pump impellers, belts, fuel filters, air filters, and larger clamps. So those are in plastic bags. Then there are all the electical parts and sail repair materials and. . . . Maybe an inventory sheet with location noted is required? I end up buying more stuff because I cannot remember or locate something.
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Containers
I have a TON of storage under the cockpit in my C27 (I just love outboards!) and I keep all those parts in separate containers. For example, the clear container with purple top is for my electrical stuff, the orange box has all my winch repacking stuff in it, my tool box has built in drawers for screws, etc. All of these are crammed in milk crates, which fit just right in the space. Very high tech...
LaDonna
I have a TON of storage under the cockpit in my C27 (I just love outboards!) and I keep all those parts in separate containers. For example, the clear container with purple top is for my electrical stuff, the orange box has all my winch repacking stuff in it, my tool box has built in drawers for screws, etc. All of these are crammed in milk crates, which fit just right in the space. Very high tech...
LaDonna
Pretty Much The Same Setup
My setup is pretty much the same as what you're doing, Ed, except there is no large container. Fasteners are in about a half-dozen transparent plastic containers about 1.5T x 6W x 12L, all sorted by machine screws, wood screws, round head, flat head, hex head, nuts, washers, etc. Electrical, Plumbing, Adhesives and epoxy stuff, Painting stuff: In separate medium sized clear plastic containers about 4T x 6W x 12L. Engine Parts: V-belts, engine fuel filters, etc are typically zip-lock plastic bags. Oil filters are in cardboard boxes that they came in underneath the aft cabin berth. Other small engine parts such as copper and plastic banjo washers, water pump spare screws, etc. are in clear plastic container 4T x 6W x 12L. Stainless rigging type stuff: Shackles, smaller blocks, etc. in clear plastic container 4T x 6W x 12L. The plastic containers must have good latching and hinges to withstand frequent opening yet not open accidentally. This is especially true for fasteners! On these I prefer the ones with two locking latches. Oil, fuel additives, outboard oil: Keep in open plastic container with rags, funnel, and clear plastic hose for funnel. Battery stuff: Keep next to the batteries; baking soda, gallon jug of distilled water, gizmo for measuring electrolyte density (forget the name). Wire: 16ga on spools and heavier gage keep loose with parts. I tend to be one of those that bring everything along and I'm trying to whittle it down - but it's very hard! But they've come in handy!!! Tools: two of everything! Have several types of files and hacksaw blades. On my Alaska trip I even took along the keel bolt deep sockets (1-1/2 and 1-3/4 inch sockets) with breaker bar and extensions. And then there's the fishing gear!
My setup is pretty much the same as what you're doing, Ed, except there is no large container. Fasteners are in about a half-dozen transparent plastic containers about 1.5T x 6W x 12L, all sorted by machine screws, wood screws, round head, flat head, hex head, nuts, washers, etc. Electrical, Plumbing, Adhesives and epoxy stuff, Painting stuff: In separate medium sized clear plastic containers about 4T x 6W x 12L. Engine Parts: V-belts, engine fuel filters, etc are typically zip-lock plastic bags. Oil filters are in cardboard boxes that they came in underneath the aft cabin berth. Other small engine parts such as copper and plastic banjo washers, water pump spare screws, etc. are in clear plastic container 4T x 6W x 12L. Stainless rigging type stuff: Shackles, smaller blocks, etc. in clear plastic container 4T x 6W x 12L. The plastic containers must have good latching and hinges to withstand frequent opening yet not open accidentally. This is especially true for fasteners! On these I prefer the ones with two locking latches. Oil, fuel additives, outboard oil: Keep in open plastic container with rags, funnel, and clear plastic hose for funnel. Battery stuff: Keep next to the batteries; baking soda, gallon jug of distilled water, gizmo for measuring electrolyte density (forget the name). Wire: 16ga on spools and heavier gage keep loose with parts. I tend to be one of those that bring everything along and I'm trying to whittle it down - but it's very hard! But they've come in handy!!! Tools: two of everything! Have several types of files and hacksaw blades. On my Alaska trip I even took along the keel bolt deep sockets (1-1/2 and 1-3/4 inch sockets) with breaker bar and extensions. And then there's the fishing gear!
Where oh where do you store your parts....
Ed: Here is an idea. The drawers do not have to be that deep. The top drawer is about 17" and the bottom is about 6-7".
Ed: Here is an idea. The drawers do not have to be that deep. The top drawer is about 17" and the bottom is about 6-7".
Attachments
Tool boxes and storager bins
Ed, I do things very much like Peter and Alan. I have divided my tools and small parts into three catagories. 1. Rigging 2. Tools 3. Electric All three of the above have it's own tool box. They happen to be Sears boxes about 12"wx16"long x12"tall. They have a deep storage on the bottom and two trays and a lid for hand tools, switches etc. The small multi sectioned containers 6 4"x8"x2" have assorted screws,bolts,nuts,washers,electrical connectors,shackles, keeper pins etc. are divided into the three tool boxes. I also used rubbermaid storage containers (12"wx16"lx10"h) for spare propellor, outboard parts, canned goods, boxed hash browns, Mac
Ed, I do things very much like Peter and Alan. I have divided my tools and small parts into three catagories. 1. Rigging 2. Tools 3. Electric All three of the above have it's own tool box. They happen to be Sears boxes about 12"wx16"long x12"tall. They have a deep storage on the bottom and two trays and a lid for hand tools, switches etc. The small multi sectioned containers 6 4"x8"x2" have assorted screws,bolts,nuts,washers,electrical connectors,shackles, keeper pins etc. are divided into the three tool boxes. I also used rubbermaid storage containers (12"wx16"lx10"h) for spare propellor, outboard parts, canned goods, boxed hash browns, Mac
Dollar Store Finds
I have discovered the local dollar store. They carry water-tight tupperware type containers in all shapes and sizes; and they are extremely reasonable. I have learned to write backward on the inside cover with a marker, and then cover it with duct tape (so the label does not come off). Then with the cover in place I can read what is supposed to be inside. I store them in an old plastic milk crate.
I have discovered the local dollar store. They carry water-tight tupperware type containers in all shapes and sizes; and they are extremely reasonable. I have learned to write backward on the inside cover with a marker, and then cover it with duct tape (so the label does not come off). Then with the cover in place I can read what is supposed to be inside. I store them in an old plastic milk crate.
Off the Boat!
My personal experience has shown that at least 95% of my spare parts and tools are not really required for a break down. I asked myself what do I really need on the boat and what can I store at home (or in a rented storage shed near the marina). Of course I'm talking about local cruising, not offshore cruising. I couldn't think of very many breakdowns that would prevent me from making a marina. We could argue forever why a particular item is needed on the boat, but I think you get my point.
My personal experience has shown that at least 95% of my spare parts and tools are not really required for a break down. I asked myself what do I really need on the boat and what can I store at home (or in a rented storage shed near the marina). Of course I'm talking about local cruising, not offshore cruising. I couldn't think of very many breakdowns that would prevent me from making a marina. We could argue forever why a particular item is needed on the boat, but I think you get my point.
Yeah Bob, but the dream. . . .
is to go offshore. So when I take that two hour sail out to the islands I have to be ready! I could turn right and head out(thru the Erie Canal and down the Hudson). But I know you are right.
is to go offshore. So when I take that two hour sail out to the islands I have to be ready! I could turn right and head out(thru the Erie Canal and down the Hudson). But I know you are right.
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