Have a tool box just for the boat?

[Mark42]

Wanted to stop bringing my good tools on the boat. First, the salt air is causing rust, and second they come in big boxes, with more sockets and stuff than I will need.

Thinking of buying just a cheap-0 small socket set (just need standard sizes, no metric), a few drivers, a few different pliers, and put it all in a good water tight rubbermaid box. Yeah, I know the cheap socket sets are not drop forged, just heat treated, but should work for an emergency spark plug change or pulling thermostat, etc.

What do you use? I could use some good ideas.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

I'm in the same 'boat'. I'm also going to use the watertight toolbox, but I was thinking of getting a small craftsman set. I don't want to risk a broken socket when I need it most. I was also thinking of spraying the tools with wd-40 or some other lube/rust inhibitor so they last.

 

[109jb]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

I have a small toolbox and in it I have the following:

Interchangeable bit screwdriver
Shorty interchangeable bit screwdriver
Needle nose pliers
Regular pliers
Channel locks
Wire cutters
Crimpimg pliers
Waterproof crimp connectors (assorted)
Spare fuses
Spark plug socket
3/8" Ratchet
Spare set of spark plugs
3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8 sockets
10, 11, 12, 13, 14 mm sockets
3/8" socket extension
probably a few other things I forgot.

I have these items separated in zip-lock freezer storage bags and in the little tool box. The zip locks work well for keeping the tools from rusting

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

I keep a dry box with assorted tools, consisting of socket-wrenches {open end on one end, socket on the other} couple of screw-drivers, side cutters wire stripper, prop nut socket & ratchet, needle nose pliers, adjustable wrench. Also have a small parts box with things like water proof matches, cotter pins, crimp connectors, electrical tape, a few ft of 16 gauge wire, heat shrink, spare plugs and 'plug', a few assorted screws/bolts etc. And a 'standard' tool box in the truck, never leave home without it.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

A dry box with all tools/boat motor stuff is an absolute no-brainer necessity for me. I also keep my boat papers/registration,etc. in there. Always better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

A separate, well-equipped toolkit just for the boat is mandatory equipment IMO.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

Always better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!

Think I might have heard that somewhere before.....

 

[Thad]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

I took one of the wifes small totes with the snap lock lid and made a tool kit of sorts. I thought about what could happen on the water that I could fix on the water. Then I put what tools would be needed to do the repairs out of the tool set I had. I also keep my spare prop nuts, thrust washer, prop hub, etc. in there. Fits a lot nicer than the big tool kit I used to have in the boat and I only have the tools I would actually use. Also, everythinig stays dry.

I figured why have a big tool set taking up space on the boat when I would only use 1/3 of the tools in it.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

I keep one of those cheap, water proof case, tool sets on the boat. Bought it at Walmart at an end of year close-out for $29. The only repair items I carry seperatly is a filter wrench, a prop wrench and unlimited tow insurance.

The only on-water repair I've had to make in the past 10 years was a blown oil cap. A piece of plastic wrap from a sandwich and a rubber band got us home.

 

[sasto]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

Almost all my boating is in saltwater and the best (by far) treatment I have ever used on my tools is Boeshield T-9. Leaves a non oily wax sheen on them that lasts and lasts. Safe for use around plastics and vinyl. Boeing developed this for their aircraft. I use it on all my electrical connections onboard too.

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

Many hardware and DIY stores like the Home Despot and Lowes carry pre-fab tool kits for a very reaonable price. I bought 2 of these on sale once, and carry one in each boat. They have sockets, screw drivers, wrenches, the all-important allen keys, etc all in a nice case that keeps everything organized.

I've put these tools to good use several times, fortunately always to repair someone else's boat, but good carma is good carma.

At a cost of about $50 it's hard to beat and if they eventually rust or tools get lost I won't feel bad buying a new kit at that price.

Just one word of caution, neither the adjustable wrench in the set nor the sockets are big enough to serve as a prop nut wrench for largert outboards and I/Os. I bought a second el cheapo adjustable wrench to keep with both kits just for this purpose.

Grouse

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

Since the majority of the tools are "emergency" use I would recommend that you spay them down with a light oil and store them in zip lock bags inside the tool box. Sure beats the rust and you only open what you need.

I bought a cheap socket set at HD and some extra tools specific to use and store with the boat.

Zip lock bags
Lightly oiled
Water tight box

In a non oiled bag I keep electrical tape, nylon zip locks, and a new package of stick epoxy (the stuff that works under water and on fuel tanks)

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

Nicely stowed under my Dinette seat is a socket and ratchet set, a soldering set, and a larger tool box with hammers, pliers, and all kinds of tools to get mostly any job on the boat done. It all stays on the boat out of site, out of mind. This might be tougher on a smaller boat, as the storage is limited, but I HIGHLY recommend it.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

When I work on my boat, I pretty much use all the tools that I keep on the boat. That way I know what I need to add to the assortment when something that I need is not there. Basically, I have a Craftsman socket/wrench set that I bought on sale in one box(the one it came with) and another small box with screwdrivers and pliers.

 

[sheridon]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

I have a set of screwdrivers (different sizes of course), a hammer, and I have an assortment of wrenches and pliers with rubber handle grips I bought at HD for a small price. I didn't want to spend too much money on a quality tool set since it is inevitable that I will drop at least 1 overboard and I would hate to lose my good tools to the drink.

I transfer these tools between my truck and the boat when we go out.

I'll probably add a small set of sockets at some point as well.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

see the post about "what spares do you carry" for good stuff to go in the tool box.

I pick up a lot of extra tools at yard sales, to equip the various tool boxes I have (2 boats, 4 cars, house, garage, etc.)

Next time you buy electronics, take that silica pack--the one that says DO NOT EAT--and if you haven't already chewed on it or cooked it for lunch, put it in the tool box (tackle box, other storage on the boat). It's designed to absorb moisture, it's free, and you are recycling!

 

[Thad]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

Next time you buy electronics, take that silica pack--the one that says DO NOT EAT--and if you haven't already chewed on it or cooked it for lunch, put it in the tool box (tackle box, other storage on the boat). It's designed to absorb moisture, it's free, and you are recycling!

I thought it was a complimentary bandit pack. No wonder I always got thirsty afterward. This explains a lot...

That is a good idea. I have used them for other purposes, never thought of putting one in my box. Hmmmm

 

[SeanT]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

Just to chime in my vote here:

I have a dedicated tool bag for the boat. I use those tools almost exclusively while working on the boat, even if it's in my garage so I know what I need. About the only thing I haven't duplicated is my test light. I just leave that in the boat all summer and in my garage all winter.

What I have NOT done is take efforts to ensure that it's floatable, oiled, or water resistant. That is my next step. Floating toolbox and/or bags to keep things in. My tool bag currently will not float, but can easily be hung from just about anything in a pinch.

 

[Dabbler_E]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

Kept in a small tackle box under the console, never leaves the boat. All the tools are CHEAP, from the bargain basket at the local hardware store, or picked up at yard sales. If it goes overboard, I may be out $25. But, they are all geared for specific jobs.

Contents:
Wire crimp/strip tool
Multitool (leatherman knockoff, with knife, needle nose pliers, etc.)
Flathead & phillips screwdrivers
8" flex-shaft socket handle (not a ratchet) with spark plug socket (handle doubles as a small hammer)
Extra spark plugs
4" adjustable wrench
Magnetic retriever (for fishing out hardware that drops into inaccessible places....amazing how they find them)
3 nut drivers in specific sizes for the hex-head bolts and screws on my motor (for example, for air silencer cover)
Zip ties
Electrical tape
Cotter pins (sized for prop and linkage arms)
3-in-1 oil
Epoxy putty
Hose clamps & barbed hose menders, sized for fuel line
Extra primer bulb

 

[soaringhiggy]

Re: Have a tool box just for the boat?

got wrenches, adjustables, plyers etc. Harbor Freight, not good quality for long term use, will work if needed when out on the water.

When I bang my knuckels I can through the wrench in the drink and not care!

Good tools stay in the shop and at home.