Boater's Tool Box - What's in yours? (post pics)

[fishnislife]

Since I am putting together a tool box to carry on the boat I noticed we haven't had anything like this before posted up in the forums.
I have done a little research and put some thought behind what I will need at a minimum on my boat for tooling if any problems were to arise. I am starting to assemble this kit and was wondering.......
-What's in yours? please throw up a pic of your tools if you can.

Also, share any problems that you have had on the water that you told yourself....."Man I sure wish I had _____, on the boat".

If enough people participate and this becomes a valuable resources for boaters, maybe we can get it put up as a sticky.

random internet pic of a guys pelican tool kit



What's in your Tool Box?




fishnislife

[fishnislife]

I like the pelican box idea. If I can find a small enough one to store on the boat that will hold all my tooling plus a first aid kit, i might get one.


Required Boat Equipment:
PFD (lifejacket) - One per person
Flares - 3 min.
Fire Extinguisher
Horn - or sound device
Running Lights

Suggested Boat Equipment:
Anchor
Bucket (for bailing)
Oars
First Aid Kit
VHF radio
Compass and Charts/Maps
Extra Fuel and Water
Sun Protection
Flashlight
and what we are talking about
Tool Kit

your tool box will obviously be geared towards the size and function of your boat. Showing others what you carry and/or have needed on the water might help them if they have a similar set-up.



fishnislife

[ncwflounderer]

I have a 2 screwdrivers, a Phillips head and a flat head, also a wire stripper/crimper, and a pliers, also a multitool, a couple zip ties, and a roll of electrical tape

[chongo469]

Dont forget a extra set of spark plugs for the main and kicker.... Mine is a 3 cyl main and a 2 cyl kicker.... I keep extras plugs and mark boxes as to what they go to..... Had to switch plugs on the water already this year and glad I had them.... I also keep a assortment of red/black wire and butt connectors just in case of emergency electrical repairs....

[rseas]

Get a Yamaha and you won't need a tool box...

[ptfletcher]

Don't forget shear pins. I did once. Once.

[Amx]

Get a Yamaha and you won't need a tool box...

Only a tow truck.

[rseas]

Get a Yamaha and you won't need a tool box...

Only a tow truck.

Vessel Assist...

[For Reel]

Fuses

[gramps53]

All good suggestions. I would add wonder tape (super stretchy stuff that will fix leaky pipes etc). My buddy used it to fix a leaking water separator/filter and it saved a fishing trip.

[downriggeral]

Spare prop and MOUNTING hardware, wrench that will take off prop or a set of Knipex pliers; if I had only one tool that would be it. Flashlight or headlamp

[fishmanjh]

I actually use an old plastic Tackle box, that I can put up under the Bow. Plenty of room in it, with trays, and holds a lot of stuff. Also, when running Downriggers, there is a lot more extra stuff you need. And anymore .... regardless to where I am on the water, I make sure I have my Cell Phone with me.

[hewesfisher]

Don't have a tool box, no need for one, yep, my Mercs are that reliable.

[fishnislife]

I'm a Merc fan too.

No pic's posted yet of "what's in your boat". Whatcha got in your tool box guys?





fishnislife

[Corkie]

small socket set, usual pliars...etc.

the most common tool I use is the piece of 12" wire I dangle off of the DR mount to clear the pee hole. Too many times, while trolling, i notice reduced peeing from the kicker and think..How long has that been going on....don't want to overheat!
I've straightened size 4 hooks before to clear the debri....and thought...why not just keep a piece of wire handy.

works great....seem to use it every trip.

[Steelheadin360]

Ive got a hammer, some duct tape, and a couple zip ties.

Just kiding. I keep a full socket set deep well. Flat head and phillips screw driver, pliers, vise grips, cresent wrench, spare hose for the heat exchanger (they will pop and they fill the boat up fast) Spare plugs for both motors. Various fuses and wires, couple hose clamps. Im sure there is more but anyone who has been in my boat has seen the box I keep under the seat. If its breaks I can fix it!

[sickbayer]

Best thing I bought was a battery jumper. Lost count of how many people I've helped with it over the years. Even now that the boat is sold. Oh and rescue tape.. superb stuff.

[Larry3215]

Good idea for a thread! It reminds me that I have been meaning to go through my tool box for a looooong time now.

For most of my boating career I have owned older used boats with even older used motors that needed lots of TLC to keep them running. Out of necessity, I have had English and metric socket sets, open and closed end wrenches, screw drivers, pliers, etc, etc, etc. All that along with a collection of spare parts, clamps, hoses etc. etc. The tool box alone must weigh close to 50 pounds. I can just about tear down any outboard while on the water.

However, I finally have a brand new boat motors and brand new everything, so hopefully I wont be needing all those tools every time I go out. For sure most of the spare parts can go. Plus, over the years I have lost some tools and gained extras of others that I really don't need - like having 3ea 10mm sockets and no 14mm anywhere I can find

So, the plan is to dump the box out and sort through and only keep the items I will actually need.

I bet I can get the weight down to 25 pounds easy

[bcalvert]

The Bucket for bailing got me thinking of those collapsible dog water dishes. Portable but functional.

[bruceka49]

a bottle opener