OK, let’s start with the very basics! The following list should be self explanatory to anyone who goes offshore and may need to make some kind of effort at self maintenance or emergency repairs. These are pretty commonly known, but nonetheless we must remember that some are just beginning this nautical adventure and may need some help in getting a good tool bag aboard.
All the tools below in this Basic List should be stowed someplace dry, easy to get to, and immediately handy at all times. Also, keep in mind that you don’t want them rattling around so it is a good idea to stow them where they will not roll around. A good canvas bag, or heavy duty fishing tackle box, or anything that will contain these tools and keep them quiet would be a good idea.
Please forgive me if what I list sounds too much like I am preaching to a choir! But, they may be forgotten or overlooked and you will NEED them!
- Leatherman tool, or some kind of stainless steel multi-purpose tool to have readily available, or better yet, always attached to your belt and carried around at all times!
- Multi-drive screwdriver which holds several different screwdriver heads for single slot and Philips Head fasteners. It is best to have a couple of these handy around the boat. We have bought dozens of these at a time to give as gifts to friends along the way who do not have access to them. They come in different colors and if you give them to say, many in a tribe or community, they can be a unique color for everyone!
- At least one set of stainless steel wrenches. Good to have both an imperial set and a metric wrench set. Use an envelope type roll up and write with magic marker each size on the pockets. That makes it so much easier to find the right size without checking each wrench.
- Adjustable wrenches – try to find stainless steel ideally in two or three different sizes
- Socket wrench kit of stainless steel and of course the handle drives for the sockets, ratchet drives are wonderful.
- Vice-grips of several different size and styles. Needle nose as well as regular would be good. Ideally stainless steel.
- Sandpaper scraps, plumbing tape, silicone seal 3oz tube, underwater epoxy, MarineTex kit, 3 in 1 oil, WD-40, T-9 Corrosion Block, masking tape, duct tape, and Tef-Gel (a must!) should all be readily available for quick and daily use.
Please feel free to click the links to purchase any items as I will receive a very small percentage of the sale (from the retailer, not from the buyer) to help me along the way. Have a wonderful time cruising and I have not doubt that these important tools will help you along your journey! -Pam
Comments are closed.