We recently acquired a 54 Grand Banks with CAT 3406E engines. We keep the boat in South Florida and are planning to cruise the Bahamas extensively this summer. Just trying to figure out what essential spares to keep on board? Thanks!
How far and how long are you going to be in the Bahamas for on each trip? How well maintained is everything now?
Just got my Neptunus with 3406Es'- same situation as jesid123. mine - 1000hrs, brand new aftercoolers, all new filters and fluids. All fluids came back from CAT as clean, resample in 250 hrs. Go
What you need to carry will as stated above depend very much on where and how long you cruise for. Filters, belts and Hoses are always handy to have.
I have had good results consulting with mechanics who service the engines as to what they commonly see in the field. In addition to filters, belts, hoses ... I add impellers for the raw water pumps. Maybe a rebuild kit or even a spare raw water pump with the needed plumbing fittings already installed. Other thoughts are spare copper crush washers for fuel fittings... spare fuses...
The boat will most likely stay in the Bahamas for 2-3 months this summer. The boat was always maintained in excellent condition and there are extra fuel, oil & air filters aboard. The owner cruised mostly US East Coast so parts (and mechanics) were always a phone call away - I'd just like to be a little more prepared for any issues that may occur in the islands.
If you're spending 2-3 months in the Bahamas this is what I'd recommend. Engines 2 sets of secondary fuel filters 4 sets of Racors or primary filters, I prefer 10 microns set of belts set of impellors set of zincs plenty of coolant and oil Gen Spare impellor spare belts spare zinc spare raw water pump if it's got some hours on it 2 spare secondaries 4 spare racors Boat. spare zincs plenty of cleaning supplies spare freshater pump Spare bilge pump spare float switch heatshrink butt connectors 2 nav light bulbs spare interior bulbs spare set of lines if you don't have them spare grey water pump if you have one spare garden hose
Yes, I agree a spare a/c pump is good to have. The dinghy stuff too, if you have a dinghy. Ohhhh, and make sure to have a spare macerator pump!!!
Some spare hoses and clamps for the main engines and generator cooling systems also an assortment of spare hoses and clamps for the other miscellaneous systems onboard the vessel ( ac, washdown, fW system etc)
Spare hose clamps A good hand tool set, to include ohmmeter, wire cutters, electrical tape, selection of connectors with crimping tool, battery-powered soldering iron, and solder. Cordless electric drill with bits. First aid kit in water tight container.
I agree on the macerator as the Bahamas don't have many pump outs. Also on my 1995 boat I have been running into a number of hose clamps with cracks in them. So an assortment of hose clamps has gone into my tool box.
Start using AWAB hose clamps, they are much higher quality and you'll most likely never have to change one again.