Spares Inventory, in stock or buy?

[Mr Proach]

For those that have undertaken longer trips, did you take a stock of engine and ancillary spares or is it more cost effective to buy as required? The trip will take us down the French river network to the Med so I'm anticipating plenty of availability (Volvo Penta's). I am thinking about;

fuel, oil and air filters
injectors
seals

any other top tips on what spares you would carry with you?

 

[Tranona]

Can't advise specifically for your engines, but in principle take every thing you need with you. Although Volvo spares re readily available they are invariably far more expensive in Europe.

Certainly take consumables such as filters belts impellers and ask an. Expert like volvopaul what engine specific bits are worth taking. Remember you can always buy direct from Keyparts for delivery where you are.

 

[Fishtigua]

Also make a list of parts and part numbers you have on board. Take a good handfull of pre-filters/Racors.

Remember things like belts, impellers and filters are interchangable with other brands like Jabsco or Fleetguard . Do a bit of research on the web, crossreference the part numbers, even truck garages carry simple parts like Gates belts, lift pumps or Mann filters.

Would be easier if we knew what model of engine you've got.

 

[Mr Proach]

sorry, should have been more explicit, the engines are Volvo Penta TAMD 63L's

 

[Nigelpickin]

For those that have undertaken longer trips, did you take a stock of engine and ancillary spares or is it more cost effective to buy as required? The trip will take us down the French river network to the Med so I'm anticipating plenty of availability (Volvo Penta's). I am thinking about;

fuel, oil and air filters
injectors
seals

any other top tips on what spares you would carry with you?

We carry impellers, belts, oil and coolant along with loads of nesspresso pods

 

[Poignard]

My onboard engine spares included: oil and fuel filters; alternator belt; complete water pump; water pump spares; copper washers; o-rings; anode; hoses; fuses; a good assortment of screws, nuts, washers. If I wasn't able to start my engine by hand I would also carry a spare starter motor.

 

[sharpness]

For a long planned trip, good idea to keep spare domestic water pump on board. Surprising how angry SWMBO gets when no running water available.

 

[Mr Proach]

Great replies, thanks to all.

 

[jrudge]

For Volvo flll every cavity wth bits from Keypart. This will save you a fortune on med prices

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I don't think you can rely on the ready availability of any spare in the middle of France and in any case why would you want to wait around trying to source a spare instead of fixing the problem immediately with an onboard spare? The other problem is that France goes on holiday during August and Sod's Law dictates that you'll need something then.

As well as engine spares, I would also take some generator spares (if you have one), a spare domestic water pump, macerator pump spares, toilet spares and a selection of electrical spares eg fuses, breakers, relays, shorepower plug/socket etc as appropriate to your boat

 

[SpottyDog5]

Also take a set of spares to fix the loo, We have an American boat, so I hold a lot of "plumbing" items onboard, as spares are from across the pond.

 

[Gwylan]

With others on this, we carry for a Volvo 2003 doing short legs but extended time cruising.

Filters, one set per 200 hours
Impellers - one to change and still one spare
Belts - one to change and still one to spare
Change of engine oil + some
Empty oil can for the change
Manual pump for engine oil
Spare water pump - they can be refurbed
Spare cooling fluid, though assume anti freeze element is not required.
Sea water pump bearing set.
Spare hose and jubilee clips