Assembling a toolkit for the boat

[Bruce]

Five summers ago I bought a $20 automotive toolkit at Walmart and stored it in the boat for future usage. Many components have been used and some have even been misplaced. Exposure to salt water has not destroyed any tools but has left them lacking in aesthetics.

For the Bimini trips I add the toolbox from my truck and electrical supplies such as a soldering iron, multimeter, etc to the boat.

I also keep a quart or two of oil and a full set of spare spark plugs in the boat.

The biggest issue I have experienced is the need for dry storage for tools. So I have decided to build assemble a toolkit with reasonable quality tools inside a dry box.

I want the toolkit to cover these unlikely but possible tasks;

• Cut away ropes caught in pump (knife, hooked or hawkbill preferred)
• Change spark plugs (socket set, spark plug socket, extension, anti seize)
• Pull and reinstall jet pumps (socket set, wrenches, thread sealant, moly grease)
• Adjust or tighten steering cables (socket set, wrenches)
• Adjust or tighten shift and throttle cables (socket set, wrenches)
• Tighten loose cleats (large socket, extensions, ratchet, blue thread locker)
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical issues (multimeter, gas soldering iron, shrink tube, spare wires, dykes, electrical tape)
• Tighten loose screws (stainless ratcheting multi tip screwdriver)
• Clean, lubricate and protect metal parts (small can of Break-Free CLP)
• Adjust fittings on clamped on accessories (allen wrenches or bits)
• Temporarily repair unexpected issues (marine epoxy, cable ties, velcro cable ties, gorilla tape)
• Clean battery terminals (wire brush, dielectric grease)

Here are some of the tools I am considering

• $6 - TEKTON 3504 5-Inch Precision Needle Nose Pliers
• $5 - TEKTON 3526 Precision Diagonal Pliers
• $24 - Megapro 171BK/RD-R 7-In-1 Ratcheting Compact Driver-Stainless Steel
• One 3/8 pass thru socket set
• A metric wrench set from 8mm to 14mm. This might be a 1/4 pass thru socket set.

What other tasks do you think I should prepare for?

What tools would you include in such a toolkit?

This similar thread has some good suggestions on toolkits https://jetboaters.net/threads/what-tool-kit-do-you-keep-onboard.1779/

 

[Scottintexas]

if you don't have shut off valves a pair of hose clamps for the cooling lines,

 

[Bill D]

One thing that I've noticed is that I never carried enough fastners. I've added an assortment of stainless screws, nuts, bolts and washers. Also I keep a variety of electrical splices and a few short lengths of wire.

 

[Julian]

Wire cutter and stripper?

 

[2nazt]

Fuses if you have any on the boat.

 

[Bruce]

Wire cutter and stripper?

I use diagonal cutters (dykes) for both but good suggestion.

 

[Bruce]

Fuses if you have any on the boat.

Yamahas have a 20 AMP fuse in the house circuit and another in each ECU. The ECUs have spares inside of them. I do need to add spares. Thanks

 

[2nazt]

Do you have any going to fridge, second bilge, anything else or is that all from your switch panel and circuit breakers? Is that line fused that powers the switch board independently?

 

[2nazt]

I'm planning to pick up maybe two pelican cases or similar for a spare tool kit, and parts for the boat. That would keep tools from hitting fuses or spark plugs or a multimeter, plus keep the elements out and lightly coat tools with a wd-40 or similar to keep them from rusting.

 

[Bruce]

Do you have any going to fridge, second bilge, anything else or is that all from your switch panel and circuit breakers? Is that line fused that powers the switch board independently?

I have a second 20 amp fuse for my second house circuit. I will throw in an assortment of fuses in case someone else needs them. Many of us likely have 5 or 10 amp fuses in the circuits for our plotters, VHF radios and aftermarket stereos.

Pelican cases would be nice. I think I will go with a brightly colored dry box in the $20 range but am waiting to decide upon the perfect box once I have determined the volume of tools.

 

[2nazt]

I'll be watching to see what you choose for a case.

For me I also need to include a spare set of fuel filters for my outboard since it is a 50 hour service item. So long trips I will probably have at least 2 on the boat along with some kind of ring free additive especially when going to the islands.

 

[zipper]

Maybe need for a hammer or an adjustable wrench, small tube silicone, a spare clevis-found a few anchors on the bottom, two anchors just in case. You have it pretty well covered above. I do not go around hitting stuff with a hammer on my boat but might come in handy if you catch a 4' barracuda.

 

[Mainah]

One or two of these would work for the case. http://m.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-22-in-Pro-Organizer-Black-222571/205440492?MERCH=REC-_-irg_aic-2-_-205440481-_-205440492-_-N

Dividers and bins are removable if needed. Rubber seal, stackable, and snap together if needed when stacked.

I have one in the boat and it holds flares, leatherman, spare fuses, handheld radio, spare lanyard, spare plugs and plug wrench, spotlight, paper boat registration, fishing licenses, jump pack, and a few other things. If I ever go on a trip like Bimini I will pack more but now know who to hail if I don't have something and @Bruce is around.

 

[2nazt]

Sweet case @Mainah thanks for that

 

[BobJohnson]

@Mainah Spare lanyard. That is a great idea. Ordering one today.

 

[KXCam22]

The jbweld waterproof putty is vital in a pinch. Cam
For a case use a pair of cheap clear Rubbermaid containers with snap lids. They are waterproof.

 

[Jgorm]

I assembled this kit for my jeep, but it has become my mobile tool kit. Now that I bought a boat, it will be transferred when I head out. I do like your idea of having JB weld and some hook blades for the razor. Super glue, zip ties, and quality duct tape (like gorilla brand) should be in every kit. It's compact, but weighs probably 30lbs.

 

[zipper]

@Jgorm Is there a special pocket in that bag for the Heineken?Do not see it in second pic.

 

[Bruce]

This was the outcome of the project.

 

[ENC boater]

I always feel so inadequate after reading your post.