Every boater knows that a great day on the water never goes unplanned. A day of boating offers a way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday living, but even relaxing on the water needs to be organized and never empty-handed: you should always carry spare parts.
Just like a road trip, you don't hit the pavement without a jack or spare tire. Even if it's a short trip to the store, do you remove your spare or take out your jumper cables?
It's a no-brainer to have essential tools in your vehicle; why should it be any different with your boat?
Our guide is to provide you with the essential boat parts and supplies you should carry on your vessel as well as properly storing them.
While buying extra boat parts may sound expensive, a broken-down boat will cost you more. The essentials you need can help save you in the long haul.
So, let's dive in!
Why Do I Need to Carry Spare Boat Parts?
A day on the water should be serene. The sway of the ocean, the smell of salty air, and the blue hue all around can help put your mind at ease, but breakdowns are not biased. They do not discriminate. This is why you need to carry spare boat parts. Most issues can be handled by yourself, especially if you have the right tools and parts.
10 Essential Boat Parts to Have on Board
Whether you're a boating beginner or a pro, going out on the water without carrying spare boat parts can make or break your trip. These 10 essential items should be carried on board, no matter the length of your boating trip.
1. Fluids
Spare fluids should be the first essential you load on your boat. While some may overlook having extra fluids on their vessel, you should always keep a few quarts of oil and transmission fluid on board as well as a few cans of fuel (should you be on a lengthy trip). If you have a 2-stroke engine, always keep a quart of 2-cycle marine oil handy.
2. Fuses
Not only do they protect from electrical overload, but they can also assist in preventing accidents or electrical fires by cutting power to a circuit. It could be the fuse on your radio that goes out, or it could be the fuse on your engine. Having spare fuses (as well as an organized inventory of all your fuses) can help you safely restore power.
3. Hose Clamps
A worn fuel hose or hydraulic line can wear out, and when it does you're going to need something to hold it in place. Spare hose clamps are important to have so you can hold your line or hose in place until you get to shore for repairs.
4. Spark Plugs
Having spare spark plugs on your boat is a must. A broken spark plug can stop your engine in its tracks, but having a spare on your boat for repairs can save you from being stuck.
5. Fuel Filters
While these are changed every 100 hours having a couple of spares on board is essential because debris and other junk might find its way in. During a long trip, you might find yourself needing to change one out, which can help keep your engine running nice and smooth.
6. Spare Battery
Having a spare battery onboard is essential for boating because a dead battery will leave your boat caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. Having a spare battery (make sure it's fully charged) is important because it increases your capacity, especially if you unintentionally drain your battery from using some other electrical component.
7. Lightbulbs and Flashlights
No one wants to navigate the deep blue sea without light, not to mention it is required to have. If a bulb goes out, change it immediately. Always have more than two spare light bulbs just in case one is defective.
A flashlight on hand is essential because if you find yourself needing to change the bulb in the dark, it's better to use this tool rather than your phone.
8. Impellers
Another item that should be replaced when your engine is serviced, having a spare is essential. Impellers can easily get damaged, especially if your engine overheats. Thankfully, impellers are inexpensive, so having one for every water pump on board should not break the bank.
9. Belts and Hoses
Both your belts and hoses help keep your engine cool. Composed of neoprene and rubber, these essentials can get damaged easily, so having a spare for each should be included in your inventory.
10. Cable Ties
While not a spare boat part, this essential item can come in handy for unexpected situations. Besides holding bundles of wire together, cable ties have many different uses and can be utilized in emergencies if need be.
Organized Inventory: Storing Spare Parts
Your spare parts should be accessible, but not in the way.
Having your spare parts in a water-proof bin or special container is one of the few ways to store your parts. Your fluids should be kept in their own container, separate from everything else in case of leaks. Designated locations for your spare parts prevent you from having to fish through your gear or having to dig through your personal items. If you have a spare item but cannot find it, you might as well not have it at all.
Having spare boat parts can prepare you from having major trouble while on the sea. The right equipment can get you back to shore safely as well as give you the peace of mind you deserve. While maintenance is a must, having spare parts aboard is a given.
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