Keeping Tools Aboard

J

Jacques Ollivier

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Jun 30, 2026
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Location
Thorp
C Dory Year
2009
C Dory Model
22 Cruiser
I’m trying to get my new-to-me C Dory equipped. I drive old VW buses and always carry tools and spare parts (that will be a later conversation to ask about). I even keep an “Idiot’s Guide to VWs” in each bus. I’m thinking about putting together a basic tool kit to keep on the boat. What basic tools do you keep on your C Dory?

The picture is of my ‘64 bus on a solo trip to Alaska.
 

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A lot of the basic tool will most likely be similar to what you are carrying in your Bus, if you give a better description of your boat and it’s equipment, you might get more specific answers.
Love the VW, can you share any inside pictures?
 
I have a toolbox on my CD22. The only tool I regularly use is the square screw driver for the screws around the window frames (have to take out the screws for the center front window support when I put the AC unit in).
One time I did use a standard screwdriver, a Phillips screw driver, and a knife to replace the filler tubes to my fuel tank, but that was at a dock, not on a cruise.
All other tool use is when doing maintenance and mods in my driveway.
 
I carry a basic tool kit with sockets, water pump pliers, crescent adjustable wrench, vice grips and various screwdrivers (flat, phillips, torx) that match any screws in the boat. I carry a torque wrench. Needle nose and cutting pliers. A set of Allen wrenches. I carry extra wire, crimping tool and replacement terminals (of sizes already used) and a multimeter. Pliers for stripping wire. I carry extra fuses. For long trips, I also carry a vacuum oil pump and funnel, which allows you to change the oil on the water. Also oil and filters. I carry a spare propeller and 1 1/16 inch socket for the propeller nut, and a maintenance kit (including impeller) for the lower unit. In tidal areas, you can beach your boat and change the filter without making a mess, replace a damaged prop, and/or potentially service a plugged water pump in the lower unit. I carry spare spark plugs. I also carry extra fuel line + ring clamps to attach them. I carry a small patch kit for fiberglass, and epoxy to fill dings. I have a pdf maintenance manual for the Honda 100. Alaska is great! Have you thought about driving the Dempster highway through Yukon and NWT with your rig?
 
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