Tools to keep at the boat/marina

cmelt2003

What tools and parts would everyone suggest to keep on hand? I’m getting tired of lugging my tools to the boat from home, so I am thinking about putting a box together from Habor Freight. What tools can you not live without? 

rasbury

everything you can think of and you will still be missing what you need.

cmelt2003

rasbury said:

everything you can think of and you will still be missing what you need.

Very true indeed!

raybo3

There is a big thread on the forum about this. Just do a search. IMO one of the most important things is a multi-meter.

cmelt2003

raybo3 said:

There is a big thread on the forum about this. Just do a search. IMO one of the most important things is a multi-meter.

I actually did search but nothing came up. I’ll look again and if I find it, I’ll delete this one. 

Dream_Inn

I keep a socket/ratchet/wrench set of all the sizes along with screwdriver and all the bits.  Channel locks, pliers (couple types), impact driver (with bits) & drill (but I don't use drill that much).  That tends to cover about 90% of what I would need.  I can usually find something around my dock neighbors as well (we all have pretty good tool selections of various things).  Was funny, yesterday my dock neighbor need a cutting tool (hacksaw or sawzaw) to cut a zinc in half that goes into his genny).  I had just taken mine home a couple weeks ago.

Black_Diamond

I am up to 4 tool boxes on board. lol. A nice Kobalt socket set in a hard case. 2 plastic tool boxes for screwdrivers, wrenches, multi-meter, assorted zip ties, clamps, fasteners, sealants... Then a small drawer type for electric connection parts. They all get used. lol. And I still end up bringing tools from home!

cmelt2003

Black_Diamond said:

I am up to 4 tool boxes on board. lol. A nice Kobalt socket set in a hard case. 2 plastic tool boxes for screwdrivers, wrenches, multi-meter, assorted zip ties, clamps, fasteners, sealants... Then a small drawer type for electric connection parts. They all get used. lol. And I still end up bringing tools from home!

Well, now I know who to go see when I need something!

aero3113

A filter wrench or filter pliers will come in handy if you have to change a fuel filter out on the water.

LaRea

A good cordless drill.  I have a Ryobi with a spare battery and charger.  I also have two important accessories that use the same battery.  One is their excellent inflator/deflator ... the fastest way to inflate fenders and water toys.  Also I have a fan.  

The thing about the inflator is that it lets me keep a couple of 24" ball fenders on the boat.  I store them flat, and inflate when needed.  They are great for raft-ups.  

Ian

I have a combination of what @Dream_Inn and @Black_Diamond have. Add to that a couple of rolls of rescue tape, electrical tape, heat-shrink and crimp connectors (and tool). As @raybo3 said a multimeter is a must but learn how to use it, there are some key things to know to get the best use out of it.

Stodge

I keep a set on the boat that stay on the boat.  I also keep a volt-ohm meter on the boat.  I have debated on getting a compact drill-driver to leave in the boat too.

Dream_Inn

Yes, I do keep a multimeter and filter wrenches as well!  As far as inflator, I have a vacuum that connect to a 5 gal bucket.  Works fantastic (& quick) for blowing and deflating water toys.  @LaRea, I bet I can inflate my 36" ball fender quicker than you can your 24" !    (I'm pretty sure I can't, you can only put so much thru that dang needle thing!  That's why I don't carry it often)

raybo3

@cmelt2003 dont delete this thread. Its always good to go over this stuff. Here is the older post about tools

https://rinkerboats.vanillacommunities.com/discussion/comment/88405#Comment_88405

Willhound

Apart from the tools mentioned I also keep a spare serpentine belt, distributor cap and rotor and alternator. To be fair, these are all things I changed as preventative maintenance but the old ones were still ok as spares to potentially get me home. Also have a dozen hose clamps in various sizes, fuses, zip ties, marine epoxy, silicone self sealing plumbing tape and electrical tape and a battery booster pack. Oils and fluids. Couple of flash lights. Last but not least a Sea-Tow membership.