What's in YOUR toolbox?

[DaveM]

I've been thinking about what tools I want to carry with us on our new to us CD 22 cruiser. I can fix many of the systems on a boat (engine, electrical, hydraulic, plumbing, etc.) so I plan on carrying a reasonably complete kit. As my experience base is with cars and motorcycles, I'd appreciate comments on what I'm missing.

I plan on having in MY toolbox:
. SAE and metric combination (box-open end) and socket wrenches.
. SAE and metric allen wrenches (I haven't found any Torx connectors yet)
. Needle nose and duck bill pliers
. Wire cutters
. Large Vise-Grip pliers
. Spare wire in several gauges, connectors
. several feet of fuel line
. Zip ties
. Assortment of hose clamps (several smaller than 1" dia and several approximately 3" dia)
. Volt-Ohm meter
. Flash light (e.g LED "head light")
. Electrical tape and duct tape
. BIC lighter
. Standard blade, Philips and square drive screw drivers
. GE Silicone
. Spray lubricant - I prefer white lithium grease
. WD-40 (solvent and "Water Displacement" not a lubricant)
. The boat already has two fire extinguishers so no need for more
. Extra set of spark plugs and spark plug wrench
. Spare fuel filter plus spare water-fuel separator element
. Steel wool
. Swiss Army knife

Thanks in advance for any comments!

[CAVU]

Dave,
Looks like a pretty complete list. One additional item I carry is a strap wrench to remove the fuel-water separator.

[flrockytop]

Where's the duct tape? Can't leave the dock with out it.

[localboy]

Duct tape is there. I also carry a roll of this:
http://www.rescuetape.com/

[Sea Wolf]

Don't forget an assortment of back up fuses for all the types used on board.

Various adhesives, like silicone, 3M 4200, Marine Tex (epoxy filler), gasket maker, contact cement, etc. Include mixing sticks, disposable containers, putty knives. Small metal cans of various solvents, like paint thinner, lacquer thinner, alcohol, etc.

Propane torch, striker.

Assortment of stainless screws (machine, wood, sheet metal, etc.), and nuts.

Aluminum and stainless or monel pop rivets and tool.

Rechargeable electric drill and bits, including rotary rasp, etc. Go manual on the drill if you prefer, or have both. ='s another good reason to have an inverter on board!

A few files, rasps, sand paper, etc.

Spare light bulbs and/or LEDs.

Upholstery sized sewing needles, heavy duty nylon and/or polyester thread. Spare pieces of Sunbrella and other fabrics.

Joe.

[Doryman]

I thought I remembered an old post from Bob about what he carries on Thataway and I was right. Check out this thread.

Warren

[rogerbum]

While there aren't any Torx head screws/bolts there are some with square heads (windows and door frames on some boats) so you might need drivers for the square heads. Like Localboy Mark, I'd also recommend the rescue tape. I don't carry a propane torch but I do carry a few butane lighters and a small torch into which a butane lighter is inserted. Like Joe, I'd recommend a few different sealants -5200 and 4200 are particularly useful you might also want something that cures when it's wet and cold. I also carry a small assortment of cable ties and heat shrink for those occasional electrical repairs.

If you're a fisherman, you might also carry some hot glue and spare rod tips to repair the occasion broken fishing rod.

[matt_unique]

I keep most of my tools at home. I don't prioritize the weight, space, and salt water degradation carrying tools aboard.

I have such things as duct tape, zip ties, extra hydraulic fluid (critical), WD40, electrical kit with connectors, wire stripper, crimper, clear tubing, a small package of basic tools that comes with the engine, 2 GPS systems, 2 - 75 G fuel tanks, and a 150HP kicker

[thataway]

Thanks Warren!

There are a lot of items which can be fixed with good tools. No tools may be "OK" for a day trip, with twin engines, and you don't mind getting home slowly. I won't do it, even in my dinghy, where I carry the small bag mentioned below. But a long cruise can be ruined if you don't have what is necessary.

No rust on my tools--either after 4 years and 40,000 miles offshore, or those on the C Dory for the last 3 to 4 years. It depends on how you store and use them. Weight--a few pounds, but not enough to make any difference in performance.

The ditch bag I always carry has a cresent wrench, dikes (always essential if you fish for cutting off hooks)--a multip tool, I like Gerber,
Cig lighter, light line, tape--both duct and vinyl, Some sizing wire (monel)--zip ties, Spark plug wrench simple--which fits that engine, and extra plugs.

Also extra fuel filters if this was not mentioned.

don't forget extra bulbs for lights--especially the nav lights! I also carry a volt meter.

[Aurelia]

This helps me not feel bad about the bundle of tools and extras on our boat. Likely 25 lbs all together but sure makes me more useful and thats how I like it. I would kick myself for not having tools available with fixed needed and like Bob I even have a few basic pieces on the dinghy at all time including spares for the little motors.

Add a light (homemade 8 gauge in my case) set of jumper cables to the list if you have lots of batteries in different places. You can cut it up and have more spare wire on hand as well.

I also find carrying a few huge 24-36 inch zip ties and lots of spare light cordage and various bungees allows for quick securing of any loosened items for a permanent fix later.

Maybe we should have a session at one of the gatherings where we gather up all tools and spares on the boat just to get an idea of what folks have and where they keep it. Voluntary of course.

Could be entertaining for a Winter gathering with indoor heated space. theres a rumor afoot...

[hardee]

Captain Matt, a man after my own heart...
[quote]"...and a 150HP kicker"[/quote]

Ya gotta love the twins

Harvey
SleepyC

[Audia4]

there are actually torx heads on the Cabin DOOR! all square heads are windows and NOTHING else, atleast it shouldnt be. I think some "BOSTIK" ( salt water marine sealent) battery charger, razorblade a stand alone bilge pump, ZIP TIES (a must) some basic tools screw drivers philips (#2,#4) basic sockets becuase all cabinetry and "bolt on" options have to have atleast ONE threw bolt and not just screws and most important a good relaible, works anywhere anytime SAT PHONE!!!!!

[DaveM]

Thanks everyone for the great comments and thanks for the link to the related thread. I always search before posting and I missed that reference.

I've copied the comments into a spreadsheet that I'll use to create my on-board toolbox.

My son and I have pulled some great "McGiver" resourceful feats over the years with cars and motorcycles but this story from thataway on 12/3/2007 tops any of my stories and MUST be true as I would never question the honesty of a fellow C-Brat!

"One time we were some distance from civilization on our RIB in AK, and the fuel pump on the outboard started to fail. We carry an abbreviated kit with us when we go in the dinghy, and found some "extra" hypalon on the inflatable, which we could fashion a new diaphragm for the engine fuel pump and got us home nicely--it would have been a very long paddle--in an area where these is not only no towing service--but communication is almost impossible other than by HF or satellite radio. "

Thanks again folks!

[rogerbum]

[thataway]

I have witnesses and the story is indeed true. But remember when I was a kid I got 1930's vintage outboards running again, with what ever parts I could find or fabricate.