Re: Repair kit/breakdown equipment etc
A frequently discussed question but important, especially "in the spring of the year when kings ride off to war." We're talking about stuff in addition to safety equipment.
Like all things boating there isn't an answer; it's all about circumstances and judgment. So I won't give my whole list.
There is the strategy of redundancy and even double redundancy. Literally, you'd have to tow a duplicate boat behind you. But taking a policy to absurd doesn't mean it's bad policy.
The question can only be answered in context. Boaters in remote areas or subject to rough conditions need more, as do boaters with older equipment and equipment regardless of age in salt water. The Saturday-only lake boater doesn't need to be able to fix as much stuff as the week-long cruiser, or the guy who relies on the boat as sole means of transportation off a remote island (me).
My theory is that rather than carry a supply room of replacement parts, carry tools and materials to temporarily fix a problem that must be fixed, and to fix a small problem of convenience (the extra screw for your bimini fitting, for example--no hassle to carry, no problem to fix, even though that "equipment" is not essential.) No reason not to carry small, light-weight tools and materials either just in case: no reason not to have a circuit tester, for example, but not a giant socket set.
Cable ties, hose clamps, duct tape can fix a lot of things, crucial or just for convenience. Cotter pins and needle nose pliers for when you have to pull your prop, clear line, and put back on, because they don't make floating cotter pins. A small hammer and block of wood. Vice grips as suggested, fuses and some electrical wire so you can jump over a bad section, to tie something up.
Think of items with double use: wire for electrical or securing; screwdriver for screwing or prying, etc.
How much stuff you carry is also a function of the room in the boat for it, and where you otherwise do your maintenance work. If you are next to the garage, you might not carry as much. I keep one boat in the water and it's large enough, so I keep a well-supplied tool box in it. Another is an hour and a half away in a remote location. So I'll need to have more than someone else.
If you find it prudent to carry a spare prop, don't forget a prop nut. You can get home without the bushings and washers, but not the nut. Unless you have a floating version.
Anyone who says he doesn't need to carry any spares or tools because his boat is perfectly maintained has been godsmacked. Brand new boats break down. it's like, I don't carry a spare tire b/c I am a careful driver, maintain my tires, and don't run over stuff.
And you can't have too many plugs!
