Posts: 656
Location: Forest Lake, Mn. | LunkerHunter:
It's because I HAD a Merc at one time that I carry all this stuff. I had more trouble with that Merc than anything I've ever owned. I now run a 2005 Yamaha 4 stroke only problem has been a plugged up water intake. I had a 2000 Yamaha 4 stroke only problem was the water pump impeller went bad and a carb stuck open once. The Merc sized a cyclinder and I had it rebuilt and then the block cracked. Never had major powerhead troubles with my Yamaha's
Besides the parts that I carry are actually small in size. I keep most of them in 1 small tackle box. Stores easily in a compartment in the boat. I have more muskie baits in my boat than parts.
Last year on Lake of the Woods I had the socket for my bowmount trolling motor shortout while fishing. I pulled another plug out of my spare parts and fixed while on the lake. Took about 20 minutes and I was fishing again. I even had a digital voltmeter in the boat to troubleshoot the wiring to find the problem.
Don't know how many flat tires I or friends on the trip have had over the years. Not a trip breaker, but it sure can delay you and maybe spoil a day that would have better been spent on the water.
I'm not a mechanic. If there's a major problem with the motor I wouldn't have a clue how to fix it. But if I carry the common parts for the most likely small things to go wrong I can always find someone to install them. I looked at my motor the other day, I couldn't find the spark plugs there hidden under a cowling of some sort, but I carry spare spark plugs. If I'm in the boonies somewhere then I'll have them if need be, and then I'll worry about figuring out how to install them. But at least I won't have to wait a week for them to come in from Winnipeg.
Hey, if it's mechanical sooner or later it will break and will do so at the most inconvient time. Not an pessimist, just a realist. Been there, done that, have had the ruined trips to show for it. Now I carry spare parts. Which reminds me I need spare bulbs for the navigation lights. and a bearing kit for the trailer axle. Thanks guys!
Edited by fishpoop 7/23/2006 2:42 AM
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