No sailor should leave the dock without having these 10 essential tools at hand.
Whether your boat was launched a week ago or a decade ago, there’s always the possibility that something on board will need repairs the next time you disembark from the dock. And there’s a good chance that no matter the problem, you’ll need a tool to fix it. All experienced seafarers have an emergency toolkit on board, and hopefully yours contains these 10 essentials.
1. A multi-head screwdriver
Loose bolts are endemic on board boats, as they are subject to constant vibration while the boat is in motion. Vibrations can cause the bolts to loosen with frustrating regularity, and there is not a navigator among us who has not found a mysterious bolt rolling on the deck at some point. You’ll need a screwdriver to put those screws back in place, and since you never know if you’ll need a Phillips wrench or a flathead wrench, nor what size will fit, it’s best to have a multi-head one. Throw away a set of Allen head wrenches (hexagonal) as well, just to make sure you’ve covered all the bases.
2. Pliers
Pliers are useful for a number of things, whether you need to grip something around which your fingers cannot tighten or bend an object to the desired shape. Make sure you also have a pair of pliers, as these can be very useful when you need to cut something hard, such as wire or fishing line.
3. Adjustable keys
Tightening a screw or nut is another quick, frequent and necessary solution. In an ideal world, you’d have a full set of keys and ratchets, but many boats simply don’t have the storage space to keep all of these tools on board. So, get yourself some adjustable keys that cover all your likely needs.
4. WD-40
Boats have a lot of moving parts, and when someone needs immediate lubrication, few things can do the job like the WD-40 does. And if your boat has a polyethylene foam deck, nothing removes stains like the WD-40 does. It may seem surprising, but it works wonders – just spray and scrub, and the harmful contaminants will disappear immediately.
5. A knife with a sturdy blade
Whether you need to cut a line or a portion of line, it is practically impossible to count how many times a knife will be useful to you on a boat. But make sure you choose one with a sturdy blade so that it can withstand numerous multi-purpose uses and the harsh saltwater environment.
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6. Insulating tape
Electrical problems are common on boats, and if you need to make a quick repair, you’ll also need a way to cover them. Keep in mind that connections protected by insulating tape should be considered temporary and will require proper repair once you get back to the dock, but that quick repair will keep things functional for short-term use. Added bonus: Insulating tape can also be used to create a temporary cushion between two pieces or components that can bump into each other, and you can even use it like any other tape to secure things together.
7. Probe/Light Electrical Tester
Electrical problems are a constant problem on boats. And if you need to quickly troubleshoot malfunctions to find out why an operating light has gone out or a switch doesn’t seem to be working, an electrical tester with a probe and light is irreplaceable.
8. Adhesive tape
Is it possible to list the ways in which adhesive tape can be useful on a boat? Quick patches, bulletproof bindings, and ultra-fast repairs will all be available if you have duct tape on hand. That said, we must take the same precaution that we have done with the use of insulating tape on board a boat: all these quick repairs must be considered temporary and will have to be dealt with properly when you return to the dock.
9. “Zippered” necklaces
Whether you need to secure a bundle of loose wires, support a cable, or connect a pair of loops, few tools can do the job like zipper collars do. They attach in seconds, are surprisingly durable, and last for years. So always keep a wide range of zipper collars on hand.
10. An airtight tool box or bag
Be sure to keep all emergency tools in a safe and dry place. Even if you purchase the best quality tools, corrosion can be a problem. Plus, you’ll want to have all of these things in one safe place, so you always know where they are when you need them.
We love our boats, but we also know that sometimes boats require immediate attention. Keep these 10 must-have tools on board, and you’ll be ready for countless quick repairs, emergency repairs, and return repairs.
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