Boating is one of the most exciting things you can do in your leisure time. Besides, if you take it as a career, you will have to take more care of the boat. Taking care of the boat, however, is not a difficult task as long as you have the necessary tools when you’re on board.
Here, we have listed 10 essential tools to keep on board your boat. You may include more in the list. But these 10 tools are the most essential tools that you will need for the maintenance of your boat.
Basic Boat Tools and Equipment
Here are the 10 essential boat repair tools that every boater should have in their tool chest. Before getting there, you can check out some useful electric cutting tools here.
So, here is the list:
1. Pliers
You can use a pair of pliers for several tasks. When fishing, you may need to take hooks out of fish, a pair of pliers help in this type of situation.
2. Extra Drain Plugs
It is wise to have an extra drain plug when you are on board. Sometimes, the plug may fall into the water or may get lost anyhow. An extra drain plug would be a great relief at that moment.
3. Wrenches & Screwdrivers
Your tool kit should include wrenches and screwdrivers. You can use them for fix-task to keep on board your boat. Screwdriver, however, comes in different types and shapes. You should have different types of screwdrivers to not get stuck in the middle of a fix-it task on board.
The following types of screwdrivers should be included in your tool kit:
- Straight Slot
- Torx Head
- Philips Head
- Hex Screwdriver
- Tri-wing Screwdriver
- Square Head
4. Flash Light
You may don’t want to be on board at night. Yet, you don’t know when you have to change your mind due to unwanted situations. That’s why you should have a flashlight or marine light on board to read navigation markers, or to take care of a fix-it task.
5. Extra Flashlight Batteries and Spark Plugs
Always keep a set of extra batteries and spark plugs so that your flashlight doesn’t run out of power when on board.
6. Socket Set
Your tool kit should also include a portable socket set to change fuel filters or repair hatch latches.
7. Scissors
You can perform many tasks with a pair of scissors. Trimming a cable, cutting through a net, or a rope- all of these tasks become easy and simple when you have a pair of utility scissors.
8. Duct Tape
To cover up minor leaks or to repair a pipe- the duct tape makes everything so simple that your boat can go on.
9. Telescoping Wand with a Magnet
You may lose a nut, screw, or other boat tools when you work in hard-to-reach places. A telescoping wand with a magnet can help find the lost tools even if it’s underwater.
10. Multi-Tool
Seasoned boaters always take a multi-tool with them as it includes several handy things in a single tool. This tool is consists of multiple components such as a corkscrew, files, knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and a saw. It is easy to carry around, takes a small space; when you use it, you don’t need to apply much effort.
What More You Can Include
Experienced sailors love to take many other tools to make boat maintenance easier.
Here are some of them:
- Docking lines
- Round and flat files
- Wire brush
- Wire cutters
- Vise-grips
- Cable ties
- Chisels
- Hammer
- Sealing compound
- Voltmeter / Ohmmeter
- Jumper cables
- Penetrating oil
- Rigging Knife
- Inspection Mirror
Conclusion
The tools we have discussed here are the 10 most essential tools to keep on board your boat. Enrich your tool chest with those 10 tools so that you can repair your boat on board whenever you may need to.
And the additional list of equipment would not only enrich your tool chest, but sometimes they will make your life more comfortable as a sailor.