Nuts and Bolts

[LADYBUG TOO]

I had this great "eureka" the other day and like so many before it, I am not sure I should have wasted the time. Anyway, I decided to compile a list of all nut and bolt sizes key to my salvation in the middle of nowhere. It started in the bilge with the engine and I started trying sockets, box wrenches and the like. I needed 30mm for the engine mount adjustments, 24mm for the transmission drain or was that 22mm. Then I needed a 3/4 inch for the coupling bolts. Then, confusion reigned supreme. If I load everthing I think I will need the boat will sink! Has anyone come up with a good tool box suggestion fro the R-29 with the 6BY2. I am not sure that they are even consistent from hull to hull but with a better starting point I might be better prepared. If not, I will post mine when I get it done.

Pat, Ladybug, Too

 

[SlackwaterJack]

3 or 4 different sizes of high quality adjustable cresent wrenches are a good place to start, and a set each of sockets in both metric and SAE.
Throw in a couple sizes of locking pliers, strap wrench, wire cutters, ball pean and dead blow hammers, screwdriver set, utility knife and a small prybar and an extension spring-loaded grabber for retrieving what you drop under the engine. (oh yeah, and 2 spud wrenches for the packing nuts).

If you need to re-build the engine while at anchor... add a set of feeler guages, a torque wrench, ring compresser and a qualified diesel mechanic/fishing buddy.

 

[commander bill]

You could likely come up with a hugh list. Based on previous forgetable events discribed by other boat owners I would recommend the small nuts used on the impeller cover and the vent plug on the fuel filter. I have know boat owners (Ranger and/or non Ranger) to drop these while making repairs on the water. Take a guess where they end up. Carry spares and a magnetic type claw retrieval took is also a good thing to carry.

 

[RProffer]

Pat, I came upon a similar quandary when I received my new Ranger. Every boat has slightly different requirements based upon the engine installed and other installed equipment. My engine came with a set of metric wrenches from Yanmar. That was a start. I got a set of metric sockets to match along with an appropriate ratchet and extensions. Then I got a multi-bit screw driver that had phillips, straight slot, and square bits. I added to that phillips, straight slot and square bits that are 4 inches long to get to the hard to reach screws. I added 6 inch and 10 inch Crescent wrenches, pliers, Vise Grips, lineman's pliers, wire crimpers, wire strippers, small strap wrench, inspection mirror, standard and metric allen wrenches, plastic ties, and a multimeter. Added to this are spare fuses, spare lights, a couple of spools of different sized marine wire, a roll of F4 Tape self-fusing silicone tape red oxide http://www.amazon.com/F4-Tape-Self-fusing-Silicone-Oxide/dp/B001HETINI (for patching hoses and such), battery post cleaner, and a canvas bag to put everything into. I also got a set of misc stainless steel screws, nuts and bolts from West Marine, and a set of misc splices and electrical connectors from an auto parts store. I also carry spare impellers, filters, belts, etc., and a set of jumper cables.

Now, anytime you do maintenance on your boat, and you need a tool that is not in your bag, then make sure to add it to your bag.

This should help you take care of most problems when away from the dock. If all else fails, use your BoatU.S. towboat card.

 

[LADYBUG TOO]

Thanks!

I know I cannot have everything but I can have most of the stuff suggested aboard. My last boat was a Stamas family fisherman that I converted from I/O to VeeDrive. I rebuilt a 350 Chevy and used a Borg Warner Velvet Vee Drive. I knew the engine from start to finish and was never left adrift by her in the 20 plus years I owned her. Ladybug, Too is far more complex and I guess I just never will be as knowledgeable about her inner works as I would like to be.

Pat, Ladybug, Too

 

[RProffer]

Pat, I don't know much about diesels either. I do know they are simpler than gas engines - no plugs, no points, etc. From what I have read, 95% of the problems with a diesel relate to the fuel. If you keep the fuel clean and keep it flowing, you should do good. Diesels are more reliable than gas engines. That is why the better boats, ships, farm equipment,trucks, etc use diesel engines. I don't know about the manuals for your motor, but the ones for the 3YM30 are easy to read and understand. If you keep the maintenance up and keep your fuel clean, you should do good. I worked on computers for over 25 years and was considered a "computer expert". The only reason I was a "computer expert" was because I read the manuals. That is why computer/software companies quit printing manuals because nobody read them. If you read the Yanmar manuals, you should do good.

As far as the rest of the stuff on your boat, taking care of it should be pretty much the same as the stuff on your old boat. You have a good boat and a good motor. Be prepared by doing your normal cleaning and maintenance. Then relax and enjoy it. Happy cruising.