Introduction:
Whether you are on a short fishing trip or a long distance cruising, one thing that you must never remove from your boat is your tool box. A better habit is to make sure that the toolkit is well stocked. Here is a list of ten important tools for every boat. They will fit into a small box or a bag, whatever works for you. Keep them handy when you are afloat.
Plier:
Plier is the most useful tool in your boat’s tool kit. They are good for tightening
– nuts
– loose crimps and
– Unhooking fishes
Zero in on a compact plier with adjustable jaws. Most of them come with a built-in wire snipper. Choose pliers with rubber handles for good grip with wet hands. Remember to put your money in a non-corrosive and non-rusting plier like stainless steel.
Wrench:
As much as possible go in for a wrench that is open ended and adjustable. This way you will save a lot of space. We strongly suggest you have two wrenches, one medium and another small. Prefer a wrench that is made of high quality stainless steel over other metals that can easily corrode in water.
Screwdriver:
The best screwdriver set is something that you cannot compromise with on your boat. First of all, determine what screwdrivers you will need based on the screw heads. Go for screwdriver sets that come with changeable heads. Do not fall for the cheaper screwdrivers. When given a choice choose the better quality one even if it costs more.
Hammer:
A hammer even if small is a sine qua non in a boat’s tool kit. A lot of sailors use a heavy tool like the wrench to double up as a hammer. However, it is from experience that we say that a hammer will prove to be an indispensable tool in the hour of need.
Fuse:
A lot of tools that are used on the boats like the fish finder, and the GPS use fuses. Take stock of all your equipment on the boat that uses fuses, and make sure you carry some extra too with you in your box all the time. If your boat has a circuit breaker, but your inline has a fuse located on the power cord, we strongly recommend you carry the fuses.
Bulb:
Normal bulbs or LEDs, make sure that you carry extra bulbs on you when you set out. You can store the bulbs along with the fuses in a plastic bag or individual plastic boxes.
Duct Tape:
Never underestimate the power of the humble duct tape. In the worst of emergencies, duct tape will stand you in good stead, even repairing holes in your boat! A couple of rolls are a must-have in your tool kit.
Electrical Tape:
Duct tapes are virtually useless when it comes to electrical repairs. That is why you will need to stock up on an electric tape or two. When you are doing wirework in the boat, you will need to insulate them so that there is no danger of electrocution in water.
Tie Wraps:
With all the equipment and wire quagmires, keeping tie wraps handy on the boat is a great idea. Carry them in different sizes to not get overwhelmed with too many crisscross wires.
Lubricant:
Keeping a can of lubricant like WD-40 handy will ensure that all the corrosive metal parts are taken care of. It may look like an unlikely part of the tool kit, but you will thank yourself later for packing in one!
Conclusion:
Carrying the right tools can make your routine maintenance simpler as well as save your day in the water. A tool kit with all the practical tools mentioned above will make sure your ride is safe and fun. Now that you know it, fair winds to you!