Onboard Tool Kit

[Grant Brown]

This topic recently came up on another board I visit (Honda CT90), and I got to thinking what would be a good tool kit to have on the water for emergency use.
Currently I have few combination wrenches, test light, screwdrivers, plug wrench, booster cables, duct tape, rag, short piece of wire, side cutters, slip joint pliers and a lighter.
That's what I have now - am I missing anything obvious?

Grant in Vancouver

 

[Grant Brown]

Re: Onboard Tool Kit

Oh yeah I also have a bunch of zip ties in different sizes (fixed a broken throttle linkage with one once).

 

[bgbass.1]

Re: Onboard Tool Kit

an extra set of plugs,piece of wire can get you out of a jam,and a first aid kit

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Onboard Tool Kit

Grant, I keep a full set of tools on my 21 foot Dual Console. I use them for all repairs, and it saves me from carrying tools from the garage.

To answer your question. It depends what kind of repairs you may need to do. On my sterndrive, the alternator belt broke. I had the old belt(and proper tools) which I installed. Also the large wire on the alternator broke off at the ring terminal. I stripped and reattached it. I also had to remove and clean the dissy cap one time. I also needed to clean the fuel pickup screen in the gas tank one time.

I usually keep the motor in good shape, so I haven't had too many incidents. I did have my fishing reel fall apart one time (too much usage catching Bluefish). I was able to scavange some screws from other reels on board to repair it.

I also was prepared if the mechanical fuel pump broke by having an outboard primer bulb on board, although I never needed it.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Onboard Tool Kit

You didn't include what is the most-used tool (to me) - a pocket knife. I also carry a 3/8" socket set.

 

[PondTunes]

Re: Onboard Tool Kit

Fuses Fuses Fuses! Buss type, blade type, whatever type is on your boat have several extra just in case something happens!

 

[Jerico]

Re: Onboard Tool Kit

I've got a $40.00 socket/driver set from Wal-Mart and a small set of combo wrenches in the boat. A couple of weeks ago I got to thinking, I have a spare prop but no wrench that fit the nut. Now I also keep a socket and breaker bar that fits the prop nut.

 

[nimmor]

Re: Onboard Tool Kit

I carry extra cotter pins and shear pins. Also an extra emergency kill switch key since my Johnson has one on it.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Onboard Tool Kit

There is one more item I keep onboard that no one mentioned. I keep a couple of light duty clip leads on board. I can hotwire the motor, jump the starter solenoid, or bypass any number for broken wires, lost keys etc, with these.