A list of tools needed

[brother chris]

Hiya guys.
It's been a while since I have been on here....doing lots of research on opening my own business....and getting over a couple SHT's that I yet to post. hehe.
Anyways, I am exploring the option of opening a small outboard repair shop and need a list of shop tools that I would need to purchase. I have to have a $$$ proposal written up, in order to get a grant/loan (hopefully from the government).
I know the basic tools that are needed (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers etc... ), but there are other special tools needed to repair inboard/outboards
I tried to google it, but I did not get list I was looking for.
I know there are quite a few people on here that work in a marine repair shop, so I was hoping that maybe someone has a list they could share with me. Or maybe we could even start a list?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
B.C.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: A list of tools needed

Well, for starters:
A digital volt meter, a tach & dwell meter, a point 'em temperature gun, an alignment tool, Compression & vacuum gauges, service manuals for whatever you are working on, some are online, free....
There is a bunch more, I think I would try to specialize in one style, inboard vs. outboard at first........JK

 

[18rabbit]

Re: A list of tools needed

One of three things needed for any business to be sucessful is experience. Either you have, you buy it (hire someone), or you get it (work for someone or go to school for ob repair, etc).

Your experience will dictate the tools needed.

 

[brother chris]

Re: A list of tools needed

Haut...I agree with specializing, but I will be taking a i/b o/b course at a school. Providing I get the loan, I will probably specialize with Merc or Johnson.
18rabbit...I plan on going to school to upgrade my knowledge of i/b o/b repair. I also have a couple other friends who want to start the business with me, so that is a plus. We are all interested in marine repair ( and actually enjoy working on o/b's too )

So far we have the price of the business rental space and the cost of shop items ( office supplies, front end supplies for customers, washroom supplies, monthly heating and electrical costs etc... )
We have done our homework so far, just the cost of all of the tools are needed now. Then we can apply for our loan and open up shop either next spring or the following spring.
Thanks for any input and if there is anything else you might want to add to my overhead costs, feel free to list them.
Thanks,
B.C.

 

[roscoe]

Re: A list of tools needed

Lots of special tools needed to work on just about every motor out there.

Pullers, spanner wrenches, etc.
Gonna need a hoist, lifting rings, motor stands/dollies.
Vices, workbenches, lighting, a test tank, or two.
Fuel tanks, hoses, fittings for all brands of motors.
An assortment of consumable parts like fuel filters, spark plugs, cleaners, Seafoam, oxygard, rags, hose clamps, plastic zip ties, engine oil, 2 cycle oil.

Parts washer, trays for parts ( for when you have to rebuild 3 carbs and don't want to mix the parts).

Gonna need at least one good starting battery and cables.
A battery charger.

Exhaust fan to vent engine exhaust fumes outside.

Safety glasses and ear plugs.
Don't forget a Flammables storage cabinet and all the other government mandated equipment.

 

[CN Spots]

Re: A list of tools needed

Dunno if it's considered a tool or not but most of the shops around here have a large in-ground tank with a boat ramp on it where they can back a boat down and run it in gear at wot for diagnostics, break-in or whatever. It probably costs several grand to construct but it looked handy enough to give some serious consideration too.

Good luck on the venture!

Oh, and if there was ever one thing all marine repair shops could improve upon imho, it's speed. Seems like it take the "pros" around here three months to rebuild a carb. You guys figure out how to get a motor in and out in a few days.... I'll be knocking on your door!


spots

 

[brother chris]

Re: A list of tools needed

Thanks Roscoe....all of those are well needed items.
CN Spots..Actually, that is my favorite part, cleaning carbs. I've always liked doing that!

 

[dolluper]

Re: A list of tools needed

Speed wheels {pricey]
fuel tanks =hoses
motor tanks
wrap over fluke meter
carbon tester
fuel pressure tester
injector noids
computer analizer
customers lots
parts readly availlable
that's enough for now I was out there in Sept and dropped in to the Home Depot don't remember where it was but it was close to the recyclers and homeless near the tunnel I think I wasn't driving

 

[alden135]

Re: A list of tools needed

How about a dyno? I've seen used ones on ebay.