To most of us that cruise, the idea of going anywhere without a full set of
spares is impossible. I carry spare engine, genset belts, impellers, fuel
filters, air filters, oil filters, props and a full set of tools. It cost
less than a thousand dollars for the spares and Sea Tow can make that seem
cheap. Don't forget flashlights and batteries!
Get the spares.
Mike
"Insomniac" wrote in message
...
The alarm on my boat is pretty loud so there is no question. And yes,
lost
power steering etc. Dealer told me it's rare to have a belt break and it
wasn't necessary to carry a spare but for the price of a belt I think it's
worth it.

"David Pendleton" wrote in message
...
That's actually what I meant by my question. I sometimes make 45+ mile
runs
on L. Superior. Between the wind and the engine noise, I wasn't sure I
would
hear a problem if the belt broke.

I suspect I'd lose my power steering. I do have a temperature alarm, so
I
guess I would have to rely on that.

Thanks.

Dave


"Insomniac" wrote in message
...
Yes, engine overheats. If it's a newer boat an engine alarm will
sound.
My
2001 Maxum had a misaligned pulley when I purchased it. Belt came off
about
half a dozen times. The engine manual showed a completely different
belt
configuration but I figured it out eventually. I made my own diagram
in
the
back of the book. Got pretty fast at re-looping the belt by the time
my
dealer got it fixed. It taught me how reliant you are on the belt and
I
always carry a spare now!

"David Pendleton" wrote in message
...
Hello all.

I have a Mercruiser 5.7L EFI. This engine has a rather large
serpentine
belt. I have a spare, but I've never broken one.

What happens when this belt breaks? Loss of power steering?
Electrical
power? Worse?

Thanks all.

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