Collect and Organize Information of Your Boat

The world of boats isn’t like the world of automobiles. Boat engines are generic in the sense that many different models can be—and often are—installed in any given model of boat. A 2002 Corvette engine probably won’t fit anything but another Corvette of about the same age, but a 17-foot Whaler could have an engine ranging from 25 to 200 horsepower or so, of any year, from any engine manufacturer. Likewise with accessories and fittings—hardly any of these are made by the boatbuilder, and hardly any can be considered “standard.” To further complicate matters, boatbuilders and parts suppliers go out of business much more frequently than auto makers.

All of this makes it important for you to collect and organize all the technical information about your boat. Doing so will make the job in the marine store easier, make your life simpler, and possibly save you some money. You can organize some of the information on a computer. Several boating software packages—for example BoatExec, MyShipLog, BoatNotes, and Bosun’s Buddy Electronic Log Books—have a database function that allows you to enter information about your boat. Be sure the software allows you to print out the information so you can keep it on the boat or take it with you when you need parts or service. But a computer isn’t necessarily the best way to keep track of things, since you will also need to collect owner’s manuals, receipts, wiring diagrams, and other information in hard copy. Buy a good three-ring binder, some vinyl sheet protectors, a couple of vinyl pocket pouches for the binder, and a package of 81⁄2-by-11-inch heavy paper or card stock.

Start filling your binder by locating all the information you currently have about your boat. Brochures, bills, instruction manuals, and 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, model numbers, and serial numbers should all be entered in your book. This is especially important for inboard and stern-drive engines. Whenever you install a new piece of equipment, make sure the information goes into the binder, including serial numbers.

You may want to start a separate sheet for each major piece of equipment aboard, with all the information for that equipment in one place. These sheets can also be used to track important service information: oil and filter changes, windlass servicing, and so on. I use heavy paper or card stock for these sheets, as they get a lot of handling. Even if you don’t plan to turn your own wrenches, it is highly worthwhile to purchase the service manual for your engine/outdrive combination, because it will contain specifications for spark plugs (if applicable), quantities and type of oil required, service intervals, and a hundred other details. You can also use it to help understand what your mechanic is telling you.
If a parts manual is available, buy that too. Parts shops can cross-reference OEM part numbers to parts they have on hand, including after-market parts that are often as good as the originals but much cheaper. Ask the parts person what these alternative numbers are and write them down in your binder. It will give you options and probably save you money the next time you’re in need of that replacement part. Another area of your binder should deal with contacts. If you ever go boating away from your home territory, cut out the list of store locations and phone numbers from the flyers you receive from the major boating chains and paste them in your book. Don’t forget to add BoatU.S., your insurance agent, your towing service, and other key contacts. Once you have gathered all this information, remember to take it with you on the boat or on the way to your favorite boating store. It will help you find your part quicker and get you back on the water.

There is yet another advantage in having all this information gathered and organized: proper documentation of services and maintenance should increase the value of your boat. When you sell your boat, this binder will go a long way toward convincing potential buyers that the boat has been well maintained and properly looked after.