Essential tools and repair items on board

uprightshark

uprightshark

New Member
Sep 5, 2014
29
Shediac, NB Canada
Boat Info
2005 Sundancer 260
Engines
5.7 Merc, Bravo III
This may seem like a stupid question, but I am a boat newbie ... :smt100

Wondering if someone would have a good and simple checklist of tools and other essentials one should have on board (just in case). Things that your experience tells you you should not be without.

During the winter, I want to go shopping and put together dedicated tools and essentials to put on the boat, so I don't get caught short.

Thanks
 
Paul,
It is great to see "newbie" boaters thinking about this. I keep the basic tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, test light, allen set (Torx if you have those fasteners), adjustable wrench, duct tape, electrical tape and assorted cable ties) in my tool box. I use a plastic tool box, because steel ones will leave rust stains.

I also try to keep a complete set of ready spares, (impellers (Genny & Engine), zincs, sensor s (IAC , IAT, TPS, Knock), Distributor module, spark plugs, wires, Dist cap, rotor, belts, hoses, fluids, bulbs, fuses, lubricating oil, ss screws & hose clamps). I have almost $700 just is spare parts in my kit, because nothing ruins a weekend more than your TPS Sensor crapping out on a Saturday morning. Ask me how I know!

I hope this helps.
Mike
 
the best advice given me was: "You will never have the tool that you need on board, once you get it you will never use it again.". This is not always true but after the basic tools, you need to look at what the use of the tools you need are. I have some dockmates that have been happy I carry the tools I have.
 
This thread should help.
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/69057-Spare-parts-list?highlight=

A lot depends on how far from land you go, or how far from civilizationetc but...... In my own case having spent quite a bit of my sailing and cruising time offshore in Asia - where there is less reliable search and rescue or coast guard, I have a just in case approach.

As well as all the usual stuff I carry a small electrical test meter (ohms, current and voltage). A well equipped small tool box. A socket and wrench set. Some small current jump wires with croc clips for tracing electrical issues. Electrical tape, duct tape, ptf tape, an led high wattage work light for inside the ER. A small mirror on a stick for looking down at back of transom area and under engines. Some oil pads to placeunderengines to help source leaks.

I also always carry a good set of divers knives, a snorkel, flippers and goggles just in case I need to get under the hull for detangling seaweed etc. I actually have a breathing tube extension for the top of the snorkel tube to allow me to stay under there for extended periods if need be.

uprightshark said:
This may seem like a stupid question, but I am a boat newbie ... :smt100

Wondering if someone would have a good and simple checklist of tools and other essentials one should have on board (just in case). Things that your experience tells you you should not be without.

During the winter, I want to go shopping and put together dedicated tools and essentials to put on the boat, so I don't get caught short.

Thanks
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
About 6 or 7 years ago I picked up one of those Husky tool sets at Home Depot that has an assortment of ratchet/sockets, screwdrivers, allen wrenches, hammer, adjustable wrench, pliers, hammer, vise grip, etc.
It was fairly inexpensive meaning that it isn't the end of the world if something falls in the water, held up pretty well, and more importantly, has a molded place for everything making it easy to make sure you don't leave anything in the bilge. I also keep a second box aboard with other odds and end tools, electrical connectors, a 12 volt test light, and other things that I've found I needed over the years.
I'm able to do about 90% of the tinkering on the boat with the stuff I have aboard, and can take care of most emergency repairs.
When I know I'll be doing something specific, I'll bring what I need from home for the job.
 
Test light and some wire to make a repair. On a Sea Ray, extra stainless screws that fall out. Duck tap, can't think of anything else at the moment other than standerd tools like screw driver's, small socket set, hammer, pliers, cutter, maybe some wood plugs that I still have to buy myself.
 
Next time your at a boat show get some Rescue Tape.

I've never needed it but, should be able repair a water hose to get you in to the dock in a pinch.

By the way, the Miami Boat show is in Febuary ;)
 
I have a lowes multifunction screwdriver, with light that I keep near the helm. Saves from getting the toolbox out everytime I need a light or driver. One of the few multi-functions I actually like.
 
If I was starting out from scratch again I would start with an engine specific manual such as a "Clymer" Mercruiser Shop Manual. The first or second chapter of the manual is dedicated to "tools and techniques". You'll not only get a good idea of a basic tool set but you'll also have detailed procedure for doing all kinds of maintenance and repair work to your boat. Good luck.
 
All very good ideas posted. I will, however, reinforce what Mike said about the "spare parts" aspect of this list. Every tool in the world is no good if the issue you are having is a part. And think about it, how many issues are you going to have that can be "fixed" by just a tool? Have the tools to diagnose and/or effect the repair is critically important, however without the part you are still sitting at the dock or worse... floating in the middle of nowhere.
 
+1 on the Rescue Tape. Can be used to fix a hose, as electrical tape or even to fashion a temporary serpetine belt. You can Google it and find places to order, or go to Wal-mart:

http://www.walmart.com/c/ep/rescue-tape

As for tools, I have a full tool box. I also keep a plastic tool box on board to hold at least one spare bottle of every fluid I could need. The tool box contains spills/leaks.
 
Oooppps, I see the thread already exists, must have missed it :smt021. Subscribed :thumbsup:
 
Last edited:
Thank you guys. This is awesome advice.

and Air Nautical, I'll be in Florida in Feb ... the boat show sounds like a hell of an idea.
 
As the original poster, said, great information. I'm also fairly new, less than 2 years and a seasonal boater. I never am out of sight of land, never overnight on board (bowrider) and I have a Sea Tow membership so I think I have the extreme issues covered meaning mechanical issues that I couldn't address anyway but feel I have covered the serious safety issues.
I don't carry spare parts and so am hoping for you experienced boaters to tell me what repairable problems that I could prepare myself for with respect to minor issues that could leave me dead in the water. I can envision loose battery cables, corrosion on the battery terminals, I do keep a roll of Rescue tape in the boat for hose failures but what else am I missing? Appreciate any advice/recommendations/etc. Thanks in advance.
 
I carry 2 cell phones and am never more than 20 miles away from Scott. LOL

My recommendation would be to carry any parts and tools you are capable of using. I am presuming, since you asked this question, you are not a master level mechanic.

I actually carry 2 toolsets on my 270. I have my daily set with the six in one screwdriver various pliers, wrenches, and nut drivers I need for things that I do very regularly, such as assembling my fortress anchor. My other tools are a comprehensive set I picked up at Costco and then I supplemented with anything I thought I may need you will see in lists above.

MM
 
I understand that, you have Scott and I try to stay close to Frank, one of my favorite Club Searay posters! Yes, your incisive presumption that I am not a master level mechanic is more than correct. In my younger days I thought nothing of rebuilding automobile carburetors and many other "wrench-it" activities. I'm well beyond those days and and consider myself extremely fortunate that I can afford to have a high level of preventative maintenance done on my SeaRay. However, I'm just looking for advice that maybe could avoid a shortened day on the water with kids and grand kids. Think I'm covered on the safety side. Sure, I could load up with a master mechanic array of tools, equal to and well beyond my capabilities of usage. I guess what I'm really asking of the collective experience and wisdom of this forum is what sort of failures could occur that might leave us dead in the water but be "fixable" by a reasonably prepared boater. As I said, I think I can work through bad battery connections, low electrolyte, leaking hoses, etc. As a newbie, what other, not catastrophic, situations might I be able to deal with, assuming I have the right equipment. Maybe there is no answer cause the options are so numerous. I can live with that and that is why I have a hand held radio and I and virtually every passenger has a cell. As I said, I also have SeaTow. Just trying to improve my odds in advance of a potentially bad situation. Thanks.
 
i do not carry much beyond a wrenchset , rescue tape and a set of spare fuses. on my last boat i carried belts, a waterhose and much more but found out the parts i had never quit underway . to be realistic - if something serious quits you are nevertheless screwed without being towed in and pulling the boat out of water.
i think a crucial part is a boat in good shape with a good impeller, belt, filters, plugs etc, and not a massive amount of spareparts.
 
Great ideas so far. As others have mentioned, in addition to basic tools, I carry light line, assorted hose clamps, tape, stainless fasteners, a few pieces of wire, butt connectors, wire ties, and assorted hose and tapered wooden plugs. 12v test light is cheap and a great addition. A small tube of silicone and marine tex are aboard too. Impellers, belts, and fuel filters. I also keep a length of pipe that slips over the handle of my ratchet for increased leverage.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,248
Messages
1,429,274
Members
61,128
Latest member
greenworld
Back
Top