Onboard Boating Tools
Two rules govern what tools to carry aboard your boat: The bigger the boat, the more tools you should carry. Likewise, the older the boat, the more tools you may be likely in need of. For most pleasure boaters, the necessary tools are basically the same, with slight variations for a boat's age, size and engine/drive configurations. We’ve asked some avid everyday boaters who do carry some tools on board, and this is the list that ensued:
Duct tape: Guaranteed to stick at speeds up to 200 mph, this fabric-reinforced tape does everything from securing a piece of stray molding and attaching fenders to sealing holes or leaky fittings.
Electrical tape: If a wire breaks or the insulation chafes, electrical tape can mean the difference between driving home under your own power or being towed.
Spare fuses and bulbs: You can never know when spares will be necessary and it’s best to always have spares on hand. But if there’s a reoccurring problem with a particular circuit blowing fuses don’t just keep replacing them, take the time to find the real source of the problem and correct it.
WD-40: Spray this inside a wet distributor cap, use it to penetrate a rusty fitting or lubricate your old rod and reel. Be careful where you store it, though; this stuff is flammable.
Screwdrivers: Carry small and large slot and Phillips head screwdrivers to fit all screws on board.
Pliers: Carry a pair of standard slip-joint pliers, a pair of needle-nose with side cutters and a pair of channel-locks. If you have the additional space, also include a pair of vise-grips.
Socket set: You can get away with carrying common sockets, but carrying a set is usually a better idea if you have room. Craftsman makes sets that include standard and metric sizes. Also be sure you have a socket that fits the engine's spark plugs and prop nut.
Combination wrenches: Metric and standard combination wrenches (open on one end and boxed on the other) are essential for on-water repairs. Craftsman and other companies offer combination wrench sets, and also include them with a socket sets.
Adjustable crescent wrench: Keep a large one that fits bigger nuts that the combination wrenches will not.
Ball peen hammer: You can always find a use for one of these, even if it's just to discipline one of your recalcitrant guests with a thump to the head.
Allen and Torx-head wrenches - Many newer boats use these fasteners where hex-head bolts and screws don't fit.
Spark tester: Good for older boats. This takes the mystery - and the danger of shocking yourself - out of checking for juice at the plugs.
Flashlight or small spotlight: Even on a bright sunny day it can be difficult to see, check or fix anything in the darker recesses of a boat such as the console and a portable light source should be on every boat anyway.
Trailer tire tools: This is especially important if you have a single-axle trailer. A spare tire won't do you a bit of good unless you have a trailer jack and everything you need to change it. Odds are the tools for your tow vehicle won’t fit the trailers requirements. Note these tools can be kept stowed in tow vehicle if you only use one vehicle consistently for towing, otherwise keep them in boat or have a securely fasten toolbox locked to trailer frame to keep them in.
The storage space you have on board determines how many tools you can carry. Be sure you either keep them in a dry space or store them in a watertight bag or box. That way, your tools will be rust-free and ready when you need them.
Please feel free to contact us should you have any viable suggestions that we overlooked here.
Duct tape: Guaranteed to stick at speeds up to 200 mph, this fabric-reinforced tape does everything from securing a piece of stray molding and attaching fenders to sealing holes or leaky fittings.
Electrical tape: If a wire breaks or the insulation chafes, electrical tape can mean the difference between driving home under your own power or being towed.
Spare fuses and bulbs: You can never know when spares will be necessary and it’s best to always have spares on hand. But if there’s a reoccurring problem with a particular circuit blowing fuses don’t just keep replacing them, take the time to find the real source of the problem and correct it.
WD-40: Spray this inside a wet distributor cap, use it to penetrate a rusty fitting or lubricate your old rod and reel. Be careful where you store it, though; this stuff is flammable.
Screwdrivers: Carry small and large slot and Phillips head screwdrivers to fit all screws on board.
Pliers: Carry a pair of standard slip-joint pliers, a pair of needle-nose with side cutters and a pair of channel-locks. If you have the additional space, also include a pair of vise-grips.
Socket set: You can get away with carrying common sockets, but carrying a set is usually a better idea if you have room. Craftsman makes sets that include standard and metric sizes. Also be sure you have a socket that fits the engine's spark plugs and prop nut.
Combination wrenches: Metric and standard combination wrenches (open on one end and boxed on the other) are essential for on-water repairs. Craftsman and other companies offer combination wrench sets, and also include them with a socket sets.
Adjustable crescent wrench: Keep a large one that fits bigger nuts that the combination wrenches will not.
Ball peen hammer: You can always find a use for one of these, even if it's just to discipline one of your recalcitrant guests with a thump to the head.
Allen and Torx-head wrenches - Many newer boats use these fasteners where hex-head bolts and screws don't fit.
Spark tester: Good for older boats. This takes the mystery - and the danger of shocking yourself - out of checking for juice at the plugs.
Flashlight or small spotlight: Even on a bright sunny day it can be difficult to see, check or fix anything in the darker recesses of a boat such as the console and a portable light source should be on every boat anyway.
Trailer tire tools: This is especially important if you have a single-axle trailer. A spare tire won't do you a bit of good unless you have a trailer jack and everything you need to change it. Odds are the tools for your tow vehicle won’t fit the trailers requirements. Note these tools can be kept stowed in tow vehicle if you only use one vehicle consistently for towing, otherwise keep them in boat or have a securely fasten toolbox locked to trailer frame to keep them in.
The storage space you have on board determines how many tools you can carry. Be sure you either keep them in a dry space or store them in a watertight bag or box. That way, your tools will be rust-free and ready when you need them.
Please feel free to contact us should you have any viable suggestions that we overlooked here.
Posted by blog.houseboatodyssey1.com at 1/26/2010 1:48 PM 
Categories: Buying Tips, Maintenance, Boating, Various 101's
Tags: trailering accessories Boating tools
Categories: Buying Tips, Maintenance, Boating, Various 101's
Tags: trailering accessories Boating tools
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