Couple things I don't boat without which I didn't see, sorry if I missed it:
5/16" nut driver. So much easier to work with hose clamps than a slotted screwdriver it's not even funny.
I have a cheap HF on the boat, I think I'll be replacing it with one of my Klein 11-in-1 drivers from home. I also have a MasterMind at home, it's great for nuts in hard to reach areas... I use it for winterization.
Rescue tape... the silicon self-fusing kind. I keep two rolls, use it on the lines every once and a while.
Large water pump pliers, can be used for lots of things but specifically the nuts on the thru-hulls and cockpit drains.
Huge fuse assortment for everything... ATC and AMI for the SafetyHub. All of the critical systems are on the boat's original factory circuit breakers.
DVM. The $3 Harbor Freight version is fine, I have an inexpensive quality model on board though.
As many have mentioned, 1/4" quick connect terminals, butt connectors and crimpers, as well as a wire stripper.
Also mentioned but a favorite, all of my boxes in everything have wire ties... one of the greatest inventions IMO
This is an excellent thread! I always wonder if I have the right stuff, and I usually find out that I do not when i actually need it.
I am going to add some tools to my kit after reading this.
I see that no one mentioned a full cooler, plenty of anchor line, a functioning VHF, cell phone and a comfortable pillow. Remember, if it isnt an emergency - don't sweat it
apexarol1, the only MUST have is a BoatUS membership card. I've never used a part on the water. Do the maintenance BEFORE going out and belts, hoses, filters, spark plugs, impellers, oils, grease, etc.... will not be necessary.
Basic tools only; screwdrivers, channel locks, needle nose, vise grip, socket set, flashlight, electrical tape, 1/4" - 15/16" box end wrenches and you should be good to go. Those all in one kits and a few supplements are all you should need. Oh ya, I forgot a lighter or matches - so you can smoke a cigar while you wait for a tow.
The only time I was towed was due to a fuel vapor lock issue that could not have been fixed on the water.
1999 Ciera 2655 5.7L BIII "Brenda Lou"
1996 Skeeter 1850DV 175 Mariner 9.9 Mariner. sold, sold, sold
1975 Lund 14' 25 HP Mercury. sold, sold, sold
2008 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 6.7L Turbo diesel Quad Cab
Green Bay, WI on the Fox River
South Bay Marina
RinnyBeth wrote:
We have an orange 5 gallon bucket with a lid from Home Depot.. we keep tons of things in it and one for emergency stuff we take with us on the Zodiac when we venture off to an island.. its seconds as a seat when the Capt steers the Zodiac.. keeps everything dry and being in a bucket, stows away nicely and nothing falls out.. fits under the master berth bed, or a corner in the engine room.
Nothing pumps faster faster than a scared seaman with a bucket. Lots of other handy uses as well. it's a great way to store spare anchor rode. Works good as a fire extinguisher for some fires as well.
billsguns wrote:
I cant believe that no one has said anything about a good flashlight
Toolbox is too small... I actually have a cheap little free one I grew in, but my flashlights/spotlights are not in the toolbox and I use them a lot more frequently.
billsguns wrote:
I cant believe that no one has said anything about a good flashlight
It's on my list!!!
1999 Ciera 2655 5.7L BIII "Brenda Lou"
1996 Skeeter 1850DV 175 Mariner 9.9 Mariner. sold, sold, sold
1975 Lund 14' 25 HP Mercury. sold, sold, sold
2008 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 6.7L Turbo diesel Quad Cab
Green Bay, WI on the Fox River
South Bay Marina
Scary wrote:
Nothing pumps faster faster than a scared seaman with a bucket. Lots of other handy uses as well. it's a great way to store spare anchor rode. Works good as a fire extinguisher for some fires as well.
Eyeman wrote:
apexarol1, the only MUST have is a BoatUS membership card. I've never used a part on the water. Do the maintenance BEFORE going out and belts, hoses, filters, spark plugs, impellers, oils, grease, etc.... will not be necessary.
Basic tools only; screwdrivers, channel locks, needle nose, vise grip, socket set, flashlight, electrical tape, 1/4" - 15/16" box end wrenches and you should be good to go. Those all in one kits and a few supplements are all you should need. Oh ya, I forgot a lighter or matches - so you can smoke a cigar while you wait for a tow.
The only time I was towed was due to a fuel vapor lock issue that could not have been fixed on the water.
ah, cigars... an absolute must have!!! Ive been on search for true cubans, no luck so far. Now w a boat im thinkin of takin a month off and heading to cuba, wanna go? :kidding ... or am i? haha
Comment