Every boater at one time or another has experienced a maintenance issue while on the water. Some issues may be easy to fix and some need to be done back at the dock. Having basic tools and supplies onboard your boat to fix the most common issues can turn a potentially bad day into a fun filled day on the water.
Your basic tool kit should be light and compact so that it can be easily stored onboard your boat yet contain the tools required for routine maintenance and emergency repairs. Whether you choose a hard plastic tool box or a soft pouch is personal preference. Stocking you tool bag will depend on how mechanically inclined you are and how familiar you are with the mechanical operations of your boat.
Tools that are must haves include; No. 1 & No.2 Phillips screwdrivers, small and medium slotted screwdrivers, small and medium long-nose pliers, locking pliers, channel lock pliers, small and medium adjustable crescent wrenches, wire cutters, a ratchet socket set with both standard and metric sockets, a hex key set in standard and metric sizes, a small hacksaw, a hammer, a utility knife, a pair of electrician scissors, a tape measure, a flashlight, a magnetic nut & bolt retriever, an expandable and articulating mirror, and a voltmeter.
To complement your tool bag you should stock supplies that enable you to complete minor service or repair of electrical and electronic systems, plumbing systems, and some of the boat’s mechanical systems. These items include electric tape, duct tape, crimp on electrical connectors, some spare electric wiring, fuses, hose clamps, rescue tape (tape that seals leaking or split hoses), cable ties, and an small assortment of stainless screws, nuts and bolts. In addition keep spares of cables and ropes for items like your trolling motor, your motor’s pull start, etc.
Boating is a physical sport and your boat and all its systems are subjected to a pounding and constant vibration so it is only a matter of time before something loosens up or breaks. Being prepared to repair these minor breakdowns will not only allow you to continue the day’s outing, it may one day save your life.
