Boat tool kit

[Wood Zeppelin]

I wasn't sure if this was a "general" or "safety" topic. I went with safety, because I personally don't feel safe going on a boating adventure without at least some basic tools.

Here's my question: I got a "Mariners Tool Set" (Brand: GreatNeck). I'm pretty happy with it, except it's SAE (no Metric) and I have a HONDA Motor. There are also wiring tools, screw drivers, pliers, etc. But for turning bolts, the wrenches are SAE (inches).

Should I return it and look for a Metric version (off the top of my head, there doesn't seem to be many bolts on a C-dory boat itself.)? Or just grab some metric wrenches and have both options on-board?

Anyone have thoughts or advice on this?

[thataway]

I carried both metric and SAE open. end/box wrenches and 3/8" drive sockets (deep) in both SAE and Metric also. I kept these in a canvas bag. The box wrenches were kept in a canvas (sunbrella) tool roll we made. The sockets were in zip lock bags. Also carried a torque wrench.

Also carry vise grips in large and small, plus needle noise. Water pump pliers, small pipe wrench and medium ball peen hammer. There was a cold chisel/ punch set.

Screw driver, with also handle/socket set with 1/4" drive, and hex holder for bits.
Allen wrenches with both SAE and Metric.

A very good set of diagonal cutters (sized to cut the biggest fishhook easily. (for getting out of hands etc.)

[DayBreak]

Thanks Bob for mentioning some tool items that I am deficit on not having in my tool box. One item missing is the medium ball peen hammer. While boating well offshore or in a remote area and to not have the one necessary tool to complete a repair could be devastating.

[robhwa]

[srbaum]

I am not particularly fond of Harbor Freight’s tools for real everyday use, but I have more than one boat and I have one their all in one tool kits on each boat. I do customize the kit on each boat, to ensure that I have tools for their specific needs, like a socket, just for removing the prop and a spark plug socket, that actually fits the plugs on that specific outboard. Additionally, I have a simple strap wrench for fuel filter removal, as well as an inexpensive volt meter (the free ones that they give you at HF).

[Schuster]

This thread has put together a really good collection of tools needed. There are two items that I have carried on my past boats that have come in very handy. A grab-all and a telescoping magnet. Perhaps not as useful on a Cdory as opposed to an inboard boat like an Atlas Acadia where things can get dropped under the motor into the keel bilge. I now need to go see if I have tools to remove that prop. Thanks.

[thataway]

[ssobol]

Tools to change the prop.

[C-Wolfe]

I do not have one for my C-dory yet and it's also not as needed as my previous boat but I use to carry a pouch with an assortment of plug for all thru hull on the boat and a couple non reinforce wax ring (for setting toilet, I recommend new one), can be use to plug any size/shape hole in an hurry. It give you time to attend to other urgent things happening at the same time or get to a safer place for a more permanent fix. Usually need some form of backing but most anything can be use in an emergency.

[Wood Zeppelin]

This is a great conversation, thanks all!

BTW, Does Honda have one of those "Motor tool kits" that are specific to their motors?

[thataway]

[ssobol]

[daninPA]

Perhaps there can be a "Minimalist" list for those of us who primarily day trip and may do overnights in largely protected / well -traveled waters?

I'm having enough problems storing cleaning supplies, PFDs, towels, bimini top, fishing gear, and a few other odds and ends.

Or is this a corollary to the old aviation saw that the airplane can't fly until the weight of the paperwork exceeds the max gross weight of the aircraft?