What tools should be aboard your boat? Ask any boater this question and you will get a lot of different answers. In 2011, Michael Saylor wrote about the tools he liked to keep aboard his boat. You may not agree with all of his choices but the below list is a good starting point and you can add to it depending on the type of boat you have and how handy you are.
By Michael Saylor
There is nothing quite as ridiculous as a boater without simple, essential hand tools. You can’t always call the repairman. So here is my take on the minimal items, the right stuff to have on hand when you go boating.
You never know when you’ll need a good knife—and need it in a hurry. A good knife is a sharp knife that can hold an edge and can be sharpened when necessary.
Nothing will cut through wet line—which is tougher to cut than dry line—as well as a knife with a good serrated edge. The problems with serrated blades are that they are difficult to sharpen, and they’re not much good for anything else. They will, of course, cut through a sausage, but they will butcher bread. Some pretty good knives are available with a combination serrated and smooth edge. Just be sure there is enough of a serrated section so it’s useful when you need it.
I have never understood the logic of carrying a folding blade that requires two hands to open. If you don’t want to carry a fixed-blade knife in a sheath, there are quality knives that can be opened one-handed – and, no, they are not switchblades. They also can come with sheaths. Speaking of sheaths—holsters, if you will—leather ones look snazzy, but leather will deteriorate rapidly when it’s exposed to salt water. A good nylon sheath that can be worn on a belt is the best bet.
Next to a knife, a screwdriver is essential. Most boats have Phillips-head machine screws and sheet-metal screws. Woodwork and some electrical devices use slotted-head screws, so you’ll need both types of screwdriver. Although a properly shaped Phillips-head driver can often work with screws of various sizes, the same is not true of slotted-head drivers.
SOG, Leatherman and others make good multitools, but I don’t care for them as a primary knife substitute. I carry a SOG tool, along with a sheath knife, on my belt. Between the two, I always seem to have the right tool on hand.
Multitools are not a substitute for serious tools, but they work well enough for a minor emergency or repair. With knives and multitools, stay away from cheapies. When you need a tool or knife, you want a quality device. Spend a few more dollars and get something you’ll be able to use when using it can keep you out of trouble.
A good adjustable wrench is handy and auto-adjusting models are available. The trouble is that they are rarely rust-resistant. WD-40 doesn’t work well against salt water, so I’d recommend Boeshield T-9 or an equivalent that better resists salt water. And locking pliers, in needle-nose or regular configuration, are available in different sizes. Slip-joint pliers also are handy.
Protect every tool, including knives and multitools, with a good rust preventive. Nothing, even stainless steel, is rust-proof, and the more nickel in the alloy, the softer and weaker the tool will be. Most boats come with a damnable variety of SAE and metric fasteners. You don’t need a toolkit with all of the sizes. Determine the ones you will need and equip yourself accordingly.
You’ll need something in which to store these tools. There are roll packs that are impregnated with rust preventives. Don’t forget to spray your tools, regardless of the assertions on the package.
A new season is approaching. Stay safe, boat smart and enjoy.
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