Capt'n Pauley's Pages

Organizing the Boat

by Paul Esterle

No, I don’t mean straightening out that storage compartment you keep throwing all your junk in. I mean organizing the important information about your boat. I have to admit to an ulterior motive here. You see I work in a local boating store, assisting boaters in finding parts and equipment for their boats. All day long I field questions like “ I have a 1976 XYZ boat, what oil filter do I need?”

That seems a simple, straightforward question until you realize the world of boats isn’t like the world of automobiles. There are thousands of combinations of boats and motors to consider. Then there are all the accessories. Boat builders don’t make most of their parts like carmakers do. The boat builders buy from a wide variety of suppliers, sometimes using parts from different suppliers in the same boat model. To further complicate the issue, many of the boat builders have gone out of business, as have many of the parts suppliers.

So, organizing all the information about your boat will make me happier as well as make your life simpler and possibly save you some money.

You can organize your information in the form of a loose-leaf binder or on a computer. Several of the boating related software packages have a data base function that allows you to enter information about your boat. Be sure that the software will allow you to print out and maintain a hardcopy of that information so you can keep it on the boat or take it with you when you need to find parts or service.

The first step is to go to your local office supply store. Buy yourself a good three ring binder. Don’t scrimp on quality; it will probably have to deal with some hard use. While you’re there, pick up some vinyl sheet protectors, a couple of vinyl pocket pouches for the binder and package of 8-1/2” x 11” heavy paper or card stock.

Start filling your binder by locating all the information you currently have about your boat. Brochures, bills, instruction manuals, installation diagrams should all go in there. Put receipts in one of the vinyl pouches. Most boat stores have a liberal return policy – as long as you have a receipt.

Go through the existing equipment on the boat and identify it. Part numbers, models numbers and serial numbers should all be entered in your book. Whenever you install a new piece of equipment, make sure the information about that equipment goes into the binder, including serial numbers. With all this info it will all help your local parts guy find the correct part for you.

You may want to start a separate sheet for each major piece of equipment aboard, with all the information for that equipment in one easy to find place. Model numbers, serial numbers, manufacturer’s contact numbers and purchase dates can be entered here. These sheets can also be used to track important service information: when was the oil and filter changed, when was the windlass last serviced and so on. I use heavy paper or card stock for these sheets, as they will get a lot of handling.

The model and serial numbers are important for engines and outdrives particularly. Serial number ranges often identify the correct part. Know the serial number and you may know the right part. Consider Mercruiser I/Os. Ford and Chevy engines, straight fours, straight sixes, V6, and V8 engines have all been used. Couple that with M, RM, Alpha I and II, Generation II and Bravo I, II and III outdrives and you can now begin to see the difficulty in locating the right part.

Binder aside, it will also pay to purchase the service manual for your engine/outdrive combination. Questions like proper spark plugs, quantities and type of oil required and service intervals are contained in these manuals. Even if you don’t plan on doing minor or major repair work on your engine, you can use it to help understand what the mechanic is telling you. If a parts manual is available, buy it too. Often we can cross reference the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part numbers to parts we have on hand.

Having as much of this information will help your parts guy find the right part. When he does, be sure and write the information down and place in your binder. The next time you ask for that part, you’ll be prepared.

You also need to realize that many parts are available as aftermarket parts; that is, parts made by other than the original manufacturer. For example, Sierra, Arco and GLM all make engine parts. These parts are as good as and usually much cheaper than original manufacturer’s equipment. As you deal with your parts guy, find out what these alternate numbers are and write them down in your binder. It will give you some other, probably less expensive, options when you are in dire need of that replacement part.

Many parts also have alternates. Jabsco, Sherwood and Johnson all make flexible pump impellers, many of which are interchangeable. AC, Champion and NGK provide spark plugs for most of our marine engines. Also look at kits. You may only need an impeller, gasket, or rotor. If the part itself is out of stock, your supplier may have a kit that contains that part. It may be a little more expensive, but at least you will be underway again.

Another area of your binder should deal with contacts. Most of the boating sales flyers have lists of their store locations and phone numbers, cut them out and paste them in your book. Boat/US, Defender, Fawcett’s, Viking, Boater’s World, West Marine – have them all at hand. Don’t forget to add TowBoat/US, your insurance agent and other key contacts. This information, coupled with your cell phone, can expedite locating the right part or service.

Once you have this information, remember to take it with you on the boat or on the way to your favorite boating store. It will make my life easier, help you find your part quicker and get you back on the water.

There is also another advantage in having all this information gathered and organized. When you go to sell your boat, having this information available will go a long way in convincing potential buyers that the boat has been well maintained and properly looked after. Proper documentation of services and maintenance should increase the value of your boat beyond the small cost in office supplies and time.

So, get with it. Start your binder today. If you come in and talk to me, I’ll be happy to help with part numbers. After all, it’s in my best interest too!

Paul Esterle (www.captnpauley.com) is a freelance boating writer and “man for all vessels” with many years and a wide range of boat maintenance experience. He publishes in popular magazines such as SAIL, Blue Water Sailing, and Good Old Boat, and is Technical Editor for Small Craft Advisor Magazine. In addition, Paul has produced a series of boating related videos and CDs, including the instructional video used by Spartite(TM) at boat shows. Paul has also hosted seminars and lectures at various boat shows and marine stores.

Paul can be contacted directly at pesterle@preferred.com with any questions or suggestions.

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