Another newbie question tools and parts

[Jbaggs]

First I would like to say thank you for all the help and knowledge I have received from you guys and this forum. Now my next question is I would like to know what kind of tools and any spare parts you guys keep on the boat at all times. Just finished all my projects on the boat and making up tool bags to keep on the boat. New to inboards but not new to boating. And yes looking forward to the jokes like beer and seatow. Thanks again

[lawyerdave71]

DUCK TAPE

Tooth pics
Cork screw
FUSES
Electrical tape
Liquid Nails
Caulk and Gun
Socket set
Wrenches
Screw drivers
Crow bar
Hammer
Metal brushes
Big pipe wrench for shafts
Extra screws and washers
Replacement part for motors such as belts, spark plugs, fuel filters, oil filter, points, condenser, distributor caps
WD-40 and Liquid Wrench
Hand saw
Plumbing Tape that white teflon stuff
Cotter Pins

Just the few off the top of my head but don't forget the DUCK TAPE! LOL

[lawyerdave71]

Oh and good to have a soldering gun on board.

Drill gun and drill bits of all sizes.
Always good to have a water utility sump pump 120 or 12 volt
I have a dremel kit on board

Or, you need to meet a dock neighbor like me where everyone comes to me for a tool. Know I may not know what to do with all of the tools but I have them!

[BobCT]

Agree....

12v cordless drill, 2 batts & matching flashlight
cordless dremel tool, cutoff discs and brass brushes mostly

I use these tools constantly!

[Jbaggs]

Corkscrew? Toothpicks? Do you really use them for tools? I don't live on the boat. Looking for tools that I should have with me for a day on the water. So far I have everything but the Teflon tape and a cordless Dremel. Great advice

[Stripermann2]

Spare belts, fuel filters, plugs, wires and distributor parts, electrical and duct tape are part of my kit and always have on board. Also, the hand tools required to remove and replace these parts. I also carry a quality jump pack with me.

[larryeddington]

Get friendly with Harbor Freight, I darn near wound up with a second shop on the Dock.

[lawyerdave71]

Remember are Trojans are middle aged.

You need tooth pics for screwing screws where the hole is too big!

[larryeddington]

++ on toothpicks, you can get longer ones that are skewers for cooking, they work well too

[larryeddington]

++ on toothpicks, you can get longer ones that are skewers for cooking, they work well too

[gettaway]

Jbaggs,

welcome !

To answer your question, how do you plan to use your boat? long range multi-night trips or hanging out at the dock and a few trips to another marina for lunch and a cocktail?

Don't overpack, and think about the tools you REALLY need vs. the tools that are cool but seldom touched, you used the word tool BAGS, I have one tool bag that I like because it will fit just about anywhere and it doesn't rattle or bang up the brightwork like a hard case tool box will. I use to have a field mechanic selection of tools on the boat and every time I did a project, I think I spent more time digging through the bag looking for a 7/16 or 1/2" socket or wrench than actually doing the project.

I have since decluttered and streamlined my tools,

2- sets of combinations wrenches 1/4" up to 5/8" (primary and a back-up) ( I have a zippered pouch that I keep the wrenches in so I can find them
without digging)
1- wrenches up to 15/16"
1- 3/8" ratchet and an assortment of sockets + spark plug socket that fits my sparkplugs
2- extensions , short and long
2- adjustable wrenches, a medium, and larger size
1- pipe wrench
1- hammer
1- oil / fuel filter wrench
2 straight and 2 Phillips screwdrivers (choose sizes you use the most, I have a large one I use as a pry bar as well, reducing the number of tools)
Nut Drivers, 1/4, 5/16,(most common size on hose clamps) 11/32, 3/8" (common on electrical terminals)
1- side cutter
2 Pliers - regular and adjustable
1 vise grips
1- wire crimper
1- wire stripper
1- small brass or ss brush to clean up electrical terminals and battery posts
1- feeler gauge
1-O-ring pick
1 good quality Allen Wrench set , Cheap ones will f up an Allen head screw or bolt quickly
1 good digital multi-meter
1 Digital Temperature Gun
1 12V cordless drill 1 extra battery& charger (I have a Milwaukee M12, absolutely love it)
a few drill bits and screw driver bits

The pliers, screwdrivers & nut drivers fit in the pockets around the outside, everything else in the pool, except the filter wrench, which I keep zip tied in the engine compartment and the multimeter and temp gun I keep in a drawer

Spares ?

one set of belts
Two raw water pump impellers and a couple of sets of gaskets, you'll most likely pop the cover off a few times to find a perfectly good impeller, so you'll want extra gasket sets

Wire terminal set & fuses if you have any on your boat
assorted hardware
extra hose clamps
Gorilla tape which is way better than Duct tape
electrical tape
Pipe sealant
jump pack or jumper cables
Fuel filters (crusaders should have a small one on the engine + the primary)
extra motor oil, trans fluid, and coolant- premixed
oil absorbent pads
an empty container for used fluid

MEMBERSHIP TO TOW BOATS/US OR VESSEL ASSIST - PREMIUM UNLIMITED PACKAGE !!!!! cheapest spare part you'll ever carry

If you get into a project, do a little planning and bring the extra tools from home for the project and then declutter when you are finished.

I have a storage locker at my marina, I keep other tools and supplies there for projects requiring more or different tools, which is seldom.

[prowlersfish]

12 volt test light is a must

[Jbaggs]

I only will be using my boat for a day of fishing or cruising in the bay or on the ocean. Looking for must have tools and spare parts on the boat at all times. I only live a mile from boat and bring tools as needed for projects. I have all basic tools but I was looking for the tools that I didn't think of like oil absorbent pads, Teflon tape and temp gun. Thanks for them items! What is a multimeter gun? As far as the temp gun how often should I be checking temps and what are the things I should check?

[gettaway]

A multi-meter is an electrical tester , I have a Fluke brand, it will test AC & DC volts , amps, under 10 amps, continuity, Ohms etc.

fluke.jpg (101.19 KiB) Viewed 13548 times

As far as a temp gun, you really don't need a PM for using it, but say your stb & port gauges don't read the same, you could check to make sure your gauges, sending units & t-stats are working and reading correctly by taking temperature readings with the temp gun at the sending unit and t-state housing. you can also check your exhaust risers & elbows, stuffing box or the beer in the fridge

Unless you plan on doing full tunes ups and starter & alternator replacements at sea, don't load you boat up with parts you'll most likely never need ( at sea anyway). It would be different if you were cruising to places parts are hard to get and you were away for long periods of time, like I said earlier, get vessel assist or towboats , if not only for the simple peace of mind.

BASICS, filters & belts, fluids

[Jbaggs]

Thank you for all the input it has been very helpful.