Marine tool kit

Christo

Christo

Active Member
Feb 7, 2021
497
Michigan
Boat Info
2004 225 Weekender
Engines
Mercruiser 5.0 MPI/Bravo III Drive
I want to get together a small tool kit to keep on my Weekender. What do most of you guys use? Any suggestions for a kit, or if I assemble one myself, what should I include in there? I’ve been looking online and most marine kits haven’t had great reviews.
 
I have a Craftsman kit that is the size of a briefcase. It has metric and SAE sockets/wrenches and star. I also have a tool bag that I carry open/box end wrenches along with pliers and vise grips and screwdrivers.
 
I have a small soft sided kit I made up.

Wire cutters,
wire,
electrical tape,
zip ties,
pliers,
adjustable wrench,
wrenches 5/16" - 3/4",
flat and philips head screw driver's.

That's a good start. I can't remember off hand what else I have.
 
I usually carry a full set of open end wrenches, electrical repair tools, (wire cutters, needle nose, VOM, tape, tie wraps). All basic hand tools, etc., I also carry a puller for the impeller (and a spare impeller)... you never know when it will crap out.

I just bought a full tool set from Home Depot on sale for $99. It's huge and has everything you could imagine for repairs.
upload_2021-11-8_13-32-43.png
 
I carry a briefcase type with 150+ pieces that I bought at Costco 4 years ago for mechanical work and I also put together a canvas tote bag with all my electrical repair/replace stuff 12v & 120v.
 
Little Ducky said:
Are you a DIY'er?

For the run of the mill repairs I have found this kit from harbor freight to be pretty useful and I just tuck it away on board.

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/tool-sets/assorted/tool-kit-with-case-130-pc-63248.html

When I do engine maintenance I break out the larger opened/closed end wrenches, sockets , and some larger tools but do not leave them on board.
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I like to diy as much as I can on the boat, have a few basic tools I carry onboard, just wondered what everyone had on their boats.
 
I was given a set from West Marine (link below) and it was pretty decent but needed to be supplemented. Definitely needed to add some channel locks, side cutters, crimpers, cheap HF volt/ohm meter, a cheap IR temp gun and a handful of other tools in a small bag (also from HF). I only needed to bring additional tools from home if I was taking on a big project.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--shipyard-tool-kit--11147691?recordNum=1

Something for the 'non-handy' folks to think about. If you keep some tools and some spare parts onboard, there are MANY people willing (and capable) that could help you out in a jam, instead of having to rely on professional support. Even if you call "the pros", they might have to wait on parts if you don't keep spares aboard, which just delays your journey.
 
km1125 said:
I was given a set from West Marine (link below) and it was pretty decent but needed to be supplemented. Definitely needed to add some channel locks, side cutters, crimpers, cheap HF volt/ohm meter, a cheap IR temp gun and a handful of other tools in a small bag (also from HF). I only needed to bring additional tools from home if I was taking on a big project.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--shipyard-tool-kit--11147691?recordNum=1

Something for the 'non-handy' folks to think about. If you keep some tools and some spare parts onboard, there are MANY people willing (and capable) that could help you out in a jam, instead of having to rely on professional support. Even if you call "the pros", they might have to wait on parts if you don't keep spares aboard, which just delays your journey.
Click to expand...
I was actually looking at that kit km, looks decent, good price.
 
Like most here I had some kind of tool set. Last one was one similar to the Kobalt one above, except it was Craftsman. I kept it in the bow since it was so darn heavy :)

I think what else is key is to have back up/spare parts, and the tools to change them out. Raw water impeller, engine belts, spark plug, hoses, hose clamps, duct tape, electrical tape, etc.
 
I have this exact tool kit from Harbor Freight that I have used quite often to get me by. https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-kit-with-case-130-pc-63248.html I've used it on the engine as well as my trailer (replacing the winch straps) There are better ones, but this has helped me in a bind or even general maintenance when I'm not around my garage.

I put it in a soft side bag along with these items. (let me see if I remember)
1. Spare serpentine belt
2. Spare impeller
3. Small box of mixed sized fuses
4. Bravo 3 prop sockets (both sizes)
5. Cheap torque wrench (for props)
6. Tube of epoxy putty (used this on my busted sea pump shroud to save my weekend)
7. Spare IAC
8. Deep socket for Sea Pump bracket
9. 130 piece tool kit
10. Misc cable ties floating around in the bag

This all fits under the front cushion where the table is stored in the 215 Weekender. I have to adjust the bag a bit, but it fits. This has seemed to get me through 10 seasons.
 
Blueone said:
I keep every tool I need at the hardware store.... because no matter how hard I try I never seem to have that one tool I need.... You will quickly fill your tool bag one tool at a time in no time :)
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100% agreed. It's good to have dock buddies to travel with too. I was always amazed what they'd pull out of their boat and then jump into an engine compartment to help a fellow boater out. Same here, I was always happy to jump in to help. I think that's part of the appeal of boating.
 
On top of a lot of what you guys mentioned, I also carry spare props, prop nuts and the sockets for them.
 
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