Tool Box Aboard

billnpat

billnpat

New Member
Nov 15, 2009
3,610
Lindenhurst N.Y.
Boat Info
Twin-Zeus-Cummins QSC 600 (T-574 hp - 420 kW) Zeus Propulsion includes Helm joystick, Onan 21.5Kw di
Engines
Twin-Zeus-Cummins QSC 600 (T-574 hp - 420 kW) Zeus Propulsion includes Helm joystick, Skyhook® Stati
What tools should one have on board for emergencys or simple maintenance on your boat or just to have in case another boater needs help....
 
Part of the answer relies on the skillset of the enduser. Someone with a genuine mechanical bent can probably disassemble and reassemble the entire boat with a screwdriver and a pair of lockjaw pliers. However, I just put such a package together for ours. I took a nice set of 1/4" and 3/8" std and metric sockets, a couple of medium screwdrivers of each type, some extensions and wobble sockets, a power driver with a charger and multiple bits, a folding swiss army knife thing with hex and torx keys, flashlights, soldering gun and solder, a collection of wire ends, DVOM and a Leatherman.
 
I bought one of those sets which come in a plastic case - has basic wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers and allen keys. The case gave out in less than a season so I put it all into a soft sided tool case and then added a few extra things - better pliers, wire cutters and crimpers, socket extensions, filter wrench and vise grips. I carry a few spares and made sure I had the right tools to actually swap them out if needed. I'd recommend less expensive tools since they are occasional use and you may drop them in the water. The only thing I changed for something good was the rachets which were just awful.
 
I carry way too many and need to downsize to just the bare minimum and leave the rest at the dock. I also have a fishing tackle box that I use as an electrical tool box with the lure compartment for connectors, fuses, etc. A wise friend once told me that "expensive tools don't float any better than cheap ones", so take tdappleman's advice and don't over-invest in expensive tools that you might drop overboard.
 
Thanks....i get the idea.....Basic tools :thumbsup:
 
Tool up at harbor freight. Cheep but pretty good tools for non daily use.
 
billnpat said:
I like harbor freight....:thumbsup:
Click to expand...

+1, I have top quality tools in my shop at home, but took the advice on the board to go cheap for the boat. Haven't regretted it. I got everything I could possibly need to fix about anything on the boat at Harbor Freight for around $250, including a softsided bag to store them under the dinnette seat. The bag conforms to the space better than a toolbox. I've got both US and metric sockets and wrenches, as I believe you need both to be able to cover all the bases on my boat.
 
kpetry said:
+1, I have top quality tools in my shop at home, but took the advice on the board to go cheap for the boat. Haven't regretted it. I got everything I could possibly need to fix about anything on the boat at Harbor Freight for around $250, including a softsided bag to store them under the dinnette seat. The bag conforms to the space better than a toolbox. I've got both US and metric sockets and wrenches, as I believe you need both to be able to cover all the bases on my boat.
Click to expand...

Good idea about the bag...and were to stow it also......
thats perfect under the dinnette seat....:thumbsup:
 
I'd look at it a little differently. In addition to the basic sockets, pliers, etc., I'd determine what you need for a specific job you might expect. For example, in my case I need a fairly large Torx that fits to an extension so I can move the tensioner to change a belt. Without the 3/8" Torx, no belt change. A strap wrench for the fuel filters, a puller for a water pump impeller and so on.

I'm not sure I agree on the cheaper tools on the boat either. There aren't that many you need so you don't save that much. Bobbing around in the ocean, in the bilge at 95º I want a screwdriver with a good grip and a if I'm using an adjustable wrench I don't want to fiddle with a bunch of slop.

Good luck and hopefully you will not have to use them much.
 
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