What do you need in your "boat" box?

[broadwayc]

So I am new to boating and the forum and while I was at Wal-mart getting a few things I needed to take my new (to me) boat out in the morning I saw a few of those orange watertight boxes. I usually keep my gun cleaning supplies in one and ammo in another but now I need another one for my boat...you can never have enough boxes of crap right?

I plan on purchasing a box for the important boating stuff you may need in an emergency out on the water. Assuming you have a fire extinguisher, pfds and a whistle, what else do newbies and seasoned boaters need at all times in their boat box? More interesting, what weird/random/unnecessary things do you take with you each time your out?

I figured a leatherman tool, extra sparkplug, extra drain plugs, small electric repair kit, flare gun and flares, some plastic bags, loose nuts and bolts(in the size of the ones already on your boat) and a flashlight with some extra batteries would be a good start. What am I missing?

 

[mthieme]

Re: What do you need in your "boat" box?

The size of your boat as well as a few other things determine what safety equipment you need.
Examples include - if you have a portable fuel tank (O/B), fire extinguishers are not mandatory. Flares are not mandatory unless you are two miles off shore.
I suggest you check USCG requirements. The Auxiliary CG and your local marine police will do a courtesy check of equipment.
I keep my boat in top shape mechanically so I do not bother with any spare parts. I'm not bragging (well maybe a little), I just don't find it realistic to be prepared for any significant mechanical failures.
I do carry a cell phone and try to let a neighbor know where I plan to go and when I can be expected back.

I do carry plastic bags for trash, a knife, and an extra fuse or two.
I did have a small watertight box that I kept the registration, matches and any other small items I didn't want to get wet. This has broken and I can't find a suitable replacement.

I used to keep a screwdriver and pliers on board, but unless you manage to find them in stainless, they won't last long and will be unusable when you need them.

 

[captlee]

Re: What do you need in your "boat" box?

Screwdrivers, pliers, channel locks, cresent wrench and any other basic cheap tools that you dont mind throwing away every few yrs when they rust up. Duct tape, electrical tape, wd-40, tie wraps.

If you have a larger boat with more storage space you can carry more stuff. On my 25'pacemaker Id go 20 miles offshore so I used to carry full set of tools, belts,hoses, short lenghts of wire, a spare raw water pump, cap, rotor, points, condensor, coil, oil, fuel filter and anything else I thought I might need. Most the stuff I never needed but it was there just in case.

I try to maintain most of my stuff also so it dosent break down as much. However.... when my car does decide to break down, it usually happens when my tools arent in the trunk LOL

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What do you need in your "boat" box?

duct tape.

 

[DrCox]

Re: What do you need in your "boat" box?

Add a first aid kit and a Laerdal mouth to mouth adapter. Wet skin cuts easily. The Laerdal is for if someone you dont know (or do know) needs CPR the last thing you want is thier vomit in your mouth.


-DrCox

 

[jevery]

Re: What do you need in your "boat" box?

Jumper Cables, extra long, even if you don't ever need them, having a set will probably save you from having to pull someone else in.

 

[45Auto]

Re: What do you need in your "boat" box?

I've had one of those socket sets in the fitted plastic case in my boat since 1997. It's been wet several times. Still looks brand new. I spray it with Birchwood Casey "Sheath" (I think it's called "Barricade" now) about twice a year. They usually have it in the gun cleaning supplies, best stuff I've ever seen for keeping rust off blued guns. Works great on boat tools too.

 

[109jb]

Re: What do you need in your "boat" box?

Never had to use them, but for 2-stroke outboards, I always carry a basic set of tools including a spark plug wrench, knife, an extra set of new spark plugs, a small tube of never sieze, and an extra squeeze bulb with hose clamps. I don't usually have it in the boat, but on a trip away from home, I take my spare prop and a prop wrench too.

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: What do you need in your "boat" box?

I have two, a "tool" box that has many of the things already mentioned, and a"boat" box (looks like and old ammo box) with extra safety ignition switch, boat registration, service manuals, flashlight, a couple charts, flares, extra sunglasses.

One last thing you might not need but I keep: tampons, lots of women on the boat.

 

[winenut]

Re: What do you need in your "boat" box?

This may sound silly and anal, but bait kind of grosses me out, so we keep anitbacterial wipes on board at all times, lol. My kids appreciate them, and since we usually bring food I don't have to worry about clean hands.

We also have a small handheld weather radio.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: What do you need in your "boat" box?

It's been mentioned already, but a good first aid kit is an absolute must. Nothing like being able to remove a hook, then put a nice big bandaid on the owie to make life nicer for a kid in your boat.

Everything else is a convenience. First aid is a must.