What are the essential tools to keep on board?

[MalibuMike]

I’m working on putting together a tool kit that I always bring with me on trips and wondered what everyone considers the essentials. I also I’m trying to figure out if I should keep both metric and sae tools on board.
Right now my kit would also include some items to fix anything in an emergency. This would include a spare belt, some spare hoses, an impeller, extra drain plug, extra coolant, some two-part epoxy, some JB Weld, fuses and electrical parts, and extra hose clamps.

 

[Horigan]

I think it depends on the size of the boat...

 

[Lou C]

I have motor oil, P/S fluid (really Dexron auto trans fluid) a spare impeller kit, drive belts, set of spark plugs, spare set of plug wires, distributor cap/rotor, spare fuel filter, full tool kit, wire stripper/crimper, spare wire, spare Ancor crimp on terminals, fuses, a compact digital VOM, spare emergency 2000 GPH bilge pump, too much stuff really but it makes me feel better lol

 

[QBhoy]

Anchor and a mobile phone always handy. Cable ties are great. Adjustable spanner and screwdrivers.
Extra beers can help too, if all else fails

 

[Lou C]

Anchor and a mobile phone always handy. Cable ties are great. Adjustable spanner and screwdrivers.
Extra beers can help too, if all else fails

Tow insurance membership. Only used it once in 20 years.
Portable VHF radio to supplement the dash mount.

 

[dingbat]

I carry tow insurance and the same emergency tool kit carried by passenger airlines.

 

[QBhoy]

I carry tow insurance and the same emergency tool kit carried by passenger airlines.

Parachutes and oxygen ?

 

[dingbat]

Parachutes and oxygen ?

Actually bottled water and life raft... but you get the idea..lol

 

[BRICH1260]

Prop nut wrench(s).

 

[-Spades-]

portable jump starter pack

 

[Chris1956]

Lou, Are you really going to change the impellor, while on a boating trip?

The rest of your list makes sense, although, you likely will not need most of it.

I would recommend towing insurance as a 2 hour tow can cost $750 or so.

A spare prop and wrench is a real good idea, as the hubs can break at anytime. Also your steering cable can break after 15-20 years. My 21 footer was unsteerable with ropes, after that happened. A tow home saved the day.

 

[Lou C]

Lou, Are you really going to change the impellor, while on a boating trip?

The rest of your list makes sense, although, you likely will not need most of it.

I would recommend towing insurance as a 2 hour tow can cost $750 or so.

A spare prop and wrench is a real good idea, as the hubs can break at anytime. Also your steering cable can break after 15-20 years. My 21 footer was unsteerable with ropes, after that happened. A tow home saved the day.

The boat sits on a salt water mooring. If you suck up a lot of sand because you went into the shallows (only happened to me once) that can grind up an impeller. The ace in the hole is the OMC Cobra impeller design. If you tilt the drive all the way up & you’re careful you can change it with the boat in the water! Just like changing a prop.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Interesting! That would be bit more difficult with an Alpha One!

 

[sms986]

Spare starter motor, battery, and alternator!

All three have saved my butt from being stuck several times.

Although the starter on some mercs like mine is impossible to change in the boat.

 

[tpenfield]

I bring this . . .



And this . . .


Along with epoxy, spare parts, hardware, fuses, etc . . .

 

[Lou C]

Interesting! That would be bit more difficult with an Alpha One!

3 bolts and the plastic cover over the impeller comes off, 3 more bolts and the whole thing comes off of the upper gear housing. I have one all ready to install if needed.

 

[JimS123]

Forget the tool kit.

First, buy a membership to BoatUS with the towing clause. Keep the phone number handy.

Secondly, install a kicker with its own separate gas tank. It may get you home, but at the very least it'll get you out of harm's way until SeaTow gets there.

 

[MalibuMike]

I got BoatUS membership, A 2000 amp Noco unit, and a hand held VHF.
If a prop is serviced every other year, should I carry an additional prop? Can they really just fall off and how often?

 

[Chris1956]

An additional prop is a good idea, if you can change it. Some larger boats make that real hard.

What do you mean by "Prop serviced"? Does some shop actually do something other than grease the prop shaft and spray paint the blades?

 

[legalfee]