Boating Tool Box

[Saltydawg2]

If you were to want to have tools on board a small, inland water boat, just to have available for repairs/problems that could be done while floating, away from shoreline, what would you have? There, of course, would be the option of flailing your arms, jumping up and down, and screaming at the top of your lungs for any boaters, nearby. Size would be limited to a medium,(18" or shorter), tool box. I am referring to a boat with a little age, when things might snap, bend, or stop doing their job, that could keep you from getting to the shoreline. I realize I cannot cover everything, but there has to be tools that boaters wished they had, when they were stranded. I am about to launch such a boat, and any suggestions would be great.

 

[dragginanchor]

Re: Boating Tool Box

I should probably get a toolbox and put the stuff in the glovebox in it-

screwdrivers
pliers (large and needlenose)
wire cutter
cable ties
multimeter
hand towel

should probably add-
adjustable wrench
small socket set appropriate to the boat
hammer
extra wire
sand paper/steel wool
utility knife w/ plenty of blades

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Boating Tool Box

Here's what I carry:

Standard stuff like: combination wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.

Vice grips, telescopic magnet, flash light, wire strippers/crimpers, knife, DVM, spark plug socket, small mirror. .

Crimp connectors, a couple of feet each of 16 GA and 10 GA wire, alligator clips, fuses (blade and buss), spare light bulbs for all nav lights, hose clamps of various sizes, spare cooling drain plugs, electrical tape, duct tape, zip ties, stainless steel wire, variety of stainless steel screws, nuts, bolts washers; spark plug wire, spare trim solenoid/starter slave solenoid, canvas snap repair pliers and a selection of snaps.

motor oil, power steering fluid, drive oil, 3 in 1 oil, JB weld, 3M 4200.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Boating Tool Box

Here's what I carry:

Standard stuff like: combination wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.

Vice grips, telescopic magnet, flash light, wire strippers/crimpers, knife, DVM, spark plug socket, small mirror. .

Crimp connectors, a couple of feet each of 16 GA and 10 GA wire, alligator clips, fuses (blade and buss), spare light bulbs for all nav lights, hose clamps of various sizes, spare cooling drain plugs, electrical tape, duct tape, zip ties, stainless steel wire, variety of stainless steel screws, nuts, bolts washers; spark plug wire, spare trim solenoid/starter slave solenoid, canvas snap repair pliers and a selection of snaps.

motor oil, power steering fluid, drive oil, 3 in 1 oil, JB weld, 3M 4200.

Whew I thought I carried a bunch of stuff.. Looks like a good selection
I have had a spare trim relay save my hiney before.. I coulda made it back without it, but having it saved the day...
Craftsman makes some nice little sets where everything fits in it's own little spot.. Thats the tool box I carry.. Has a dab of everything.. I also carry a small bag with other stuff in it..

 

[NYBo]

Re: Boating Tool Box

Add a prop nut and wrench, and whatever washers your setup requires, to the above.

 

[Tex60]

Re: Boating Tool Box

recently I went to the lake (closest lake is 1 hr away) I was thankful I had a new set of plugs in my pontoon boat ready to go in if needed.

 

[Saltydawg2]

Re: Boating Tool Box

Thanks, for the great advise! I also came up with a shear pin specific for your motor, a bright flashlight,and a spare drain plug. Anything else?

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Boating Tool Box

Whew I thought I carried a bunch of stuff.. Looks like a good selection
I have had a spare trim relay save my hiney before.. I coulda made it back without it, but having it saved the day...
Craftsman makes some nice little sets where everything fits in it's own little spot.. Thats the tool box I carry.. Has a dab of everything.. I also carry a small bag with other stuff in it..

Everything fits in a medium-sized toolbox that weighs about 20-30 lbs. My boat is 25' so it's not taking up much available space or affecting weight distribution much.

The nice thing about Mercuiser is that the trim solenoids are the same part that's used as a starter slave solenoid. One spare works in three places.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Boating Tool Box

Add a prop nut and wrench, and whatever washers your setup requires, to the above.

Good advise, I used to do that when I had a single prop boat, also had a spare prop at all times.

 

[scutly]

Re: Boating Tool Box

i think everyone got your tools covered. only thing i would add is a vhf radio and some tow insurance so when you get to the bottom of your toolbox and there's no tools left and shes still broke you can get her home!

 

[cribber]

Re: Boating Tool Box

I carry a several crescent wrenches, various screwdrivers, pliers, rubber mallet, diagonal cutters, zipties, electrical tape, leatherman tool, spare fuses, and a spare serpentine belt. All goes in a toolbag up front under the seats. I also carry a spare prop and everything needed to replace it including prop nuts, thrust bearing, crown nut, and cotter pins. If all else fails... I can call Sea Tow to get us back home.