Onboard Tool Box?

[gstrom11]

Did a quick forum search, didn't really find what I was looking for. Was curious what you guys had for an on board tool box (I/O or outboard to make this more of a general discussion). Of course you want to make it compact enough so it isnt' in the way, but I was thinking

-variety of wrenches (open ended, small socket set including spark plug socket)
-Set of screwdrivers
-Fuses appropriate to your applications
-Zip Ties
-Duct Tape (hey why not, universal tool right?)

Any other ideas suggestions?

Considering there is still ice on the lakes here, can't boat, might as well think about it right?

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

Mine is stocked with the basics (wrenches/sockets/screw drivers/pliers, all courtesy of HF). Then I added stuff I found I needed as I did various maintenance jobs on my OB.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

Spare Impeller, Spare fluids, DVM. It grows every year...

 

[eavega]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

My tool box is very simple. I figure the amounts of things you can deal with while on the water are pretty minimal. My basic tool the number for sea tow. Other than that, my tool box consists of:

1 Socket Wrench with spark plug socket
2 Adjustable wrench
3. needle-nose pliers
4 regular pliers
5 scissors
6 phillips screwdriver
7 flat screwdriver
8 flashlight
9 Roll of Gorilla Tape
10 zip ties
11. 2' jump wire

I fit all that along with a socket that fits the prop nut, spare prop hardware, spare set of plugs, and extra batteries for the flashlight in a small tackle box that fits under the back jump seat.

That should cover me should something come loose or need patching or securing. More than that, I'm calling sea tow.

Rgds

Eric

 

[wrench 3]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

These days I've got two small tool boxes and a bag of spare parts. But when I started out with an open boat I had a peanut butter jar with a multi tip screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and two adjustable wrenches. It was amazing what could be done with only those tools. Plus the container was water proof and would double as a bailing bucket.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

Ayuh,... a spare fuel filter, the wrench, 'n a freezer baggie to drop the ole 1 into,...

 

[Don Hansen]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

A spare set of spark plugs, gaped and ready to go.. When I do a maintenance change of spark plugs, I use the spares and then make the new plugs the spares.

Don H

 

[OllieC]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

On-Board

Cheap 150piece tool set.
Spare serpentine belt
old impeller (in good condition)
Duct Tape
Motor and Drive Oil
Fuses
Batt Jump Starter

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When 200 miles away from home base - include ;

Extra set of props and associated hardware
Trailer tools, jack and lug wrench
Spare trailer bearing grease
Spare Bearing
Spare Tire

---------------------

 

[T_Herrod]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

I use a small tool bag with the following:

1. Regular pliers
2. 6 way screwdriver
3. Wire cutters/strippers
4. Roll of electrical tape.
5. Small selection of electrical connectors
6. Vice grip pliers
7. Adjustable wrench
8. Spark plugs with wrench
9. Small flashlight with spare batteries
10. Spare prop with a piece of 2x4 to aid changing prop
11. Wrench to fit prop nut

I'm sure i forgot something but that about covers it.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

Mine is similar to others. The open end wrenches I carry are in a roll up case so they don't take up much room. I also carry a hammer that has 2 sides one is plastic and one is metal. On the old boat I had an extra prop and all install hardware but haven't got one for the new boat yet.

 

[Rentaltux]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

1 - utility knife
2 - Various common wrenches
3 - Pliers
4 - needle nose
5 - multi screwdriver
6 - channel lock pliers
7 - cheap multi meter
8 - various fuses
9 - some wire
10 - zip ties
11 - duct tape
12 - electrical tape
13 - flashlite and batteries
14 - various small parts and bolts and nuts and whatever has accumulated. I tend to keep everything that could ever possibly be of use because driving 2 hours for some stupid little part is a huge pain in the...
It always amazes me what you can throw together when you need to if it means it will save you driving any great distance for whatever you may need.

R

 

[gstrom11]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

Great lists. I typically boat on the lake near my house, but plan on venturing out more this year so wondered what you all had to see what I should compile. Thanks for all the responses!

 

[redneck joe]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

Dielectric grease. If you have to make an on water repair might as well do it the right way.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

Dielectric grease. If you have to make an on water repair might as well do it the right way.

Spare prop and a wrench to change it, maybe a spare nut and pin

 

[dingbat]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

Dielectric grease. If you have to make an on water repair might as well do it the right way.

outside of spark plug wires, where would one use a non-conductive, electrically isolating grease?

 

[Vintin]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

Two spare OMC fuel line connectors. Fuel line size hose clamps. Sharp pocket knife. Most everything else has been mentioned. It all goes in a 3 gallon mayonaise bucket with a snap on water tight lid and sits in the back with the battery and fuel tank.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

outside of spark plug wires, where would one use a non-conductive, electrically isolating grease?

It is a great way to seal an electrical connection in a marine environment. I have used it for years.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

If you carry a spare spin-on fuel filter, make sure you have something to put the old one in, like Bondo recommended. I keep my spare filter in a plastic coffee "can" and can use the "can" to safely carry the old filter and the gas within it. Also, if your engine is like mine and won't self-prime, be sure to carry enough fresh gasoline to pre-fill the new filter. I carry an aluminum camp stove fuel container filled with stabilized gas in my tool kit. The gas gets replaced every year.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

A spare drain plug for the boat and a small tube of QUICK dry marine epoxy just incase you get a hole in a hull and a small wire brush about toothbrush size.

Since you are in Minnesota...... a selection of pints of alcohol (for cleaning things) such as rum, brandy and maybe a nice single malt

I have a dedicated toolbox that is water resistant to keep things dry.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Onboard Tool Box?

My general strategy is to carry materials that can be used to fix a number of problems--for example, electric wire can make a jumper, a tester, or lash a broken bimini part. Fuel line tubing, zip ties, hose clamps and alligator clips fit in this category. Jumper cables (essential IMO) have other uses.

Get a basic circuit tester. Penetrating oil. For many boats, something that will plug a small leak when wet.

I have recently discovered "Rescue Tape" and will never leave shore without it.

ALso carry tools with many functions--a small block of wood, a small hammer, a nail set punch can save your bacon. To be a boater you have to be a McGuiver.

Then I carry small stuff that can save the day, but I don't carry large parts or things I am not likely to use, or that you can't fix while under way (like an impeller for an OB).

Better to have the complete tool box in the vehicle, or garage, although I keep duplicates in a larger boat for convenience since I have the room and it saves walking back and forth to get stuff.