Boat tool kit

[Pirate Lady]

Well, since boating season is over for most of us, let’s try a little game.
You can only have 15 pieces in your toolbox. A 168 piece socket set doesn’t count as 1.
What do you pack?
Not talking about doing a valve job when anchored out. I mean the minimal to get the boat home in case of emergency.

 

[Richard Carlisle]

A membership to Seatow. Seems like the tool I need is always the one I don’t have.

 

[Pirate Lady]

A membership to Seatow. Seems like the tool I need is always the one I don’t have.

Thats funny; i have one never used it. The tow of shame we call it.

 

[highslice]

Thats funny; i have one never used it. The tow of shame we call it.

We only call it the tow of shame if you get towed in by a pontoon. My insurance covers towing, so I don't need the membership.

12 piece combo/ratcheting wrench set, channel locks and needle nose pliers.

 

[hughespat57]

Have SeaTow as well but as a former master mechanic no way I could get down to 15 items. Even my small box has more than that.

Got the Husky set a few years back on a Christmas sale HomeDepot $69.99

 

[hughespat57]

If I had to do only 15
Hammer
Hacksaw
Water pump pliers
Slip joint pliers
Needle nose pliers
Large flat screwdriver
Small flat screwdriver
#1 Phillips
#2 Phillips
Large vise grips
Small vise grips
Wrenches combo 7/16 1/2 9/16 5/8

 

[hughespat57]

I also carry another ammo boc for Damage Control.
Hatchet
wooden plugs half dozen sizes
6” duck tape
3” self bounding rubber tape
10’x10’ tarp

 

[highslice]

I also carry another ammo boc for Damage Control.
Hatchet
wooden plugs half dozen sizes
6” duck tape
3” self bounding rubber tape
10’x10’ tarp

I do always carry Rescue Tape as well.

 

[Golfman25]

My shop guys can do amazing things with duct tape and a shop rag.

 

[Pirate Lady]

My shop guys can do amazing things with duct tape and a shop rag.

Thats what you want, MaGyevr guys.

 

[Skybolt]

3/8-3/4" wrench (7), philips and straight blade screw driver (2), adjustable wrench, flat blade scrapper, sharp knife, vise grips, wire stripper/cutter, crimper, volt meter.

That should be over kill to fix the generator if something should happen. Diesel engines usually take parts that you don't always have, so Tow Boat for the rest.

 

[Stee6043]

One of these:

And one of these (for the wait):

 

[Skybolt]

One of these:
...
And one of these (for the wait):
...

Only one correction needs to take place in that statement ->

 

[Skybolt]

What I actually carry is a four drawer tool chest in the engine room, another tool bag for the salon and cockpit things and I have a section in my salon floor that is about 3x6 and it is packed with tubs of parts everything from spare led lights to a spare turbo charger and everything in between. Two tubs of clamps alone. Two sections of couch storage with 4-6' of every size hose needed and two set's of t-bolt clamps for them, including oil lines with field replaceable ends. And with that is 10 gal. of engine oil. Also a small hardware store and electrical section.

I used to travel where tow boat doesn't go and your on your own. I also used to travel alone. Now in the bay, I probably could lighten the boat up a bit and gain some storage back. But then I loose garage space ... can't win.

 

[Scott215]

14 beers and a crescent wrench. Lol just kidding I don't drink. I carry a tools to change my serpentine belt a spare serpentine belt spare hose clamps screwdriver sockets zip ties duct tape electrical tape and every fuse on the boat and of course sea tow

 

[Mauler34Rod]

I do always carry Rescue Tape as well.

Curious, what is the tarp for?

 

[Skybolt]

Curious, what is the tarp for?

I think @highslice meant or said tape, rescue tape is for hose's that get hot, the tape will help seal any small leak. It also works on cold hoses, but best on hot ones.

 

[hughespat57]

What I actually carry is a four drawer tool chest in the engine room, another tool bag for the salon and cockpit things and I have a section in my salon floor that is about 3x6 and it is packed with tubs of parts everything from spare led lights to a spare turbo charger and everything in between. Two tubs of clamps alone. Two sections of couch storage with 4-6' of every size hose needed and two set's of t-bolt clamps for them, including oil lines with field replicable ends. And with that is 10 gal. of engine oil. Also a small hardware store and electrical section.

I used to travel where tow boat doesn't go and your on your own. I also used to travel alone. Now in the bay, I probably could lighten the boat up a bit and gain some storage back. But then I loose garage space ... can't win.

I think that’s the rub, how much is enough vs to much.
@Pirate Lady way the 15 tool number? Just minimum emergency tools?

On a 300 storage space is very limited. I keep the tools under the aft cabin bed. We never use it as seating.
The AC is under the fwd V berth. I screwed down the cover and cut four more access. This is where I keep filters, electrical, fluids, belts and molded hoses.

Way overkill for the lake But next year I retire and want to spend several months cruising the Bahamas.

 

[hughespat57]

Curious, what is the tarp for?

Wondered when someone would ask.
A crash tarp. No bilge pump will keep up with any hull breach. You take the tarp to the bow it has a ten foot rope on each corner. Drop it off the bow and slide it down to the damage, tie it to the rails. Water pressure will try to auck it into the breach.
Rule of thumb is if you can reduce flooding by 90% quickly you have time to deal with the rest. USCG/NAVY Damage Control school

 

[Skybolt]

I think that’s the rub, how much is enough vs to much.
@Pirate Lady way the 15 tool number? Just minimum emergency tools?

On a 300 storage space is very limited. I keep the tools under the aft cabin bed. We never use it as seating.
The AC is under the fwd V berth. I screwed down the cover and cut four more access. This is where I keep filters, electrical, fluids, belts and molded hoses.
View attachment 153935View attachment 153936View attachment 153937View attachment 153938
Way overkill for the lake But next year I retire and want to spend several months cruising the Bahamas.

I agree, but have you ever broken down 20 miles off shore and no way of fixing it? I did when I use to transport boat's and it was no fun. I got lucky and raised someone on the radio who relayed in the call and some 14hrs later I had some help. Ever since then I carry way too much. Not sorry I do, but definitely over kill.