What's in your boat tool kit?

[MonacoMike]

I am assembling a tool kit for my 97 270 DA. I wanted a compact but comprehensive kit that if trouble called I had the tools for most repairs.

I picked up a 211 piece set from Costco for $80. Nice set and case but 26 lbs. Does my boat have metric? The metric tools weigh 7 lbs. If I don't need them I could use that space for the few items I need to add.

What are your thoughts?

MM

 

[MonacoMike]

"Is there anybody out there". Pink Floyd.

 

[Hellman Huddle]

I am assembling a tool kit for my 97 270 DA. I wanted a compact but comprehensive kit that if trouble called I had the tools for most repairs.

I picked up a 211 piece set from Costco for $80. Nice set and case but 26 lbs. Does my boat have metric? The metric tools weigh 7 lbs. If I don't need them I could use that space for the few items I need to add.

What are your thoughts?

MM

TowBoat US Phone Number :smt038:smt038:smt038

 

[tbirdvet]

I started out with a normal tool kit of socket set, screw drivers, rescue tape, wrenches, etc. As time goes by your realize you need something else and then add to your collection. I probably carry too many tools but better to be safe than sorry.

 

[berth control]

7 lbs is a lot? Jeez, I can lose 7 lbs on my boat by just passing out another round of drinks!!

Seriously though, your tool kit from Costco prob. has most stuff you could need as far as wrenches and sockets, but what I have found useful is a voltage tester, wire strippers/crimper and some connections, spare fuses, pocket knife, some string, and some zip ties. Oh, and a couple spare hose clamps. Your tool kit will help you change a head gasket, but the problems you will have on the water that are fixable are usually electrical or some small mechanical like the alternator came loose. Oh yea, I always keep a spare alternator belt. I've been out and stranded by the damn belt three different times on three different boats!

 

[berth control]

good flashlight

:thumbsup: That too

 

[JCSAM]

I bought the tool kit from Defenders have used most of the tools. You do need a flashlight, and some bilge pickers or a magnetic bildge picker. The best thing about the tool kit is that it floats found that out last year when it went over the side by accident.

 

[magster65]

* Small socket set
* Common size wrenches (3/8 - 3/4)
* Multi-driver (one standard and one mini)
* Small sidecutters, needlenose pliers
* File, hacksaw blade, exacto knife
* Zap straps, bailing wire, electrical tape
* Extra fuses, test light, small roll of wire
* Telescoping mirror and magnet
* Krazy glue, tube of non-curing silicone

Have 2 flashlights and all the safety gear also of course.
I keep the tools in a 16x6x8 plastic toolbox under the helm seat. Major repairs aren't going to take place out on the ocean where I boat. That's a phone or VHF call... so this has me covered for most minor things that could arise.

If you don't have plugs zapped to your through hulls keep one big potato on board too. If you lose one the spud will work in a pinch.

 

[MExcelsior]

Duct tape..... where's the duct tape?

 

[MonacoMike]

Thanks!!! Great ideas. Potato, that is "out of the box."

MM

 

[HUMPH]

Duct tape..... where's the duct tape?

The duct tape is in Hampton's bilge!

 

[electricaldoctor]

Thanks!!! Great ideas. Potato, that is "out of the box."

MM

The potato would be "out of my box" too. I don't need no stinken potatoes smelling up my boat. :smt018

 

[magster65]

Duct tape..... where's the duct tape?

Had to chuck it and make room for taters!
I actually have duct tape... I forgot to put it on my list. It's great stuff... saw a cracked rubber exhaust hose repaired well enough to finish a poker run with beer cans and duct tape. I guess we should add cans of beer to the tool kit then...

The potato would be "out of my box" too. I don't need no stinken potatoes smelling up my boat. :smt018

lol... the trick is you don't leave it in there forever... rotate the crops! When the time is right... stab it with a fork, wrap it in foil and stick it on your engine for the day. That night when you bbq up your steak, pull out that friendly spud, cut 'er in half and fill it up with something yummy!
It's not stinkin'... it's your friend... try not to be angry with a potato.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Aside from the usual tools like wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc., I keep...
Voltmeter
12ga wire in red & black
stubby combinatinon wrenches
Oil filter straps
Long Mechanical fingers and magnets for retrieving lost items
2 tubes of 3M 4000
Vaseline (for threads--prevents galling in stainless threads)
battery terminal cleaner brush
3 tubs of Stay Afloat (one in each compartment that has a thru hull)
a dozen or so of those little LED flashlights from Harbor Freight
a power drill/screwdriver w/assorted bits, drills, etc.
Rescue tape, duct tape, electrical tape
a parts bin with electrical connectors
a parts bin with stainless screws/nuts/bolts/washers
a parts bin with spare light bulbs

 

[magster65]

Aside from the usual tools like wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc., I keep...
Voltmeter
12ga wire in red & black
stubby combinatinon wrenches
Oil filter straps
Long Mechanical fingers and magnets for retrieving lost items
2 tubes of 3M 4000
Vaseline (for threads--prevents galling in stainless threads)
battery terminal cleaner brush
3 tubs of Stay Afloat (one in each compartment that has a thru hull)
a dozen or so of those little LED flashlights from Harbor Freight
a power drill/screwdriver w/assorted bits, drills, etc.
Rescue tape, duct tape, electrical tape
a parts bin with electrical connectors
a parts bin with stainless screws/nuts/bolts/washers
a parts bin with spare light bulbs

The Sundancer guys use never-sieze or thread-eze but you bridge boat guys use the multi-purpose vasoline... :lol:

 

[katricol]

Innstead of a potato....try stayafloat.com

 

[magster65]

Innstead of a potato....try stayafloat.com

That looks like the same material as a toilet wax seal... and it looks like it works pretty good.

btw... I don't have any potatoes in my boat... I have plugs :lol:

 

[electricaldoctor]

That looks like the same material as a toilet wax seal... and it looks like it works pretty good.

btw... I don't have any potatoes in my boat... I have plugs :lol:

I think that it would freak me out every time I went into the E.R. and had those potato eyes staring at me. :smt043
I think that I will stick with my good ole "Stay Afloat".

 

[BlewByYou88]

This maybe a stupid question, but why bailing wire???????

 

[Presentation]

I think that it would freak me out every time I went into the E.R. and had those potato eyes staring at me.