Basic Tools to Keep on Your Boat

Do you keep a waterproof marine tool kit aboard your boat? Is it on board at all times? We hope the answer is yes. If so, what items do you keep inside your kit? If not, take a look at the list of items we have compiled to help you put one together. A responsible boater should always be prepared for the unexpected. You never know when you might need to tighten a bolt or even repair your canvas.

Below are some basic items to keep inside your marine tool kit:

Canvas Snap Tool: Easily align and fasten inside and outside snaps. Ideal for unsnapping snaps without damaging the canvas.

Duct Tape: Because everyone knows that duct tape can fix just about anything! Electrical tape is another good thing to keep handy.

Manuals: Chances are, if you need your tool kit, you’ll also need your manual – whether for your engine, plumbing, ventilation, or just your boat in general. You should keep these manuals in your tool box along with your tools so that you don’t have to search for them when you need them. Make sure you keep these in a large plastic zip lock bag so that they don’t get wet.

Wrenches: Make sure you have several different sizes with you if you aren’t quite sure of the exact sizes that you’ll need.

Screwdrivers: Pick up one of those handy dandy 11-in-1 screwdriver sets at your local hardware store – you’ll thank yourself later.

Canvas Repair Kit: This kit should include small pieces of canvas, needles and string.

Super Glue: Because like duct tape, it can fix most anything. 

Multi-tool: Having a small multi-functional tool on board, such as Swiss army knife, can definitely come in handy. These tools include small screwdrivers, scissors, knives of all sizes, etc.

Socket Set: If you have the room for a complete set, perfect. If not, find out the sizes you need and keep them on board at all times.

Spare Flashlight: Make sure your flashlight is waterproof and floats in case of an emergency. Also, make sure it has fresh batteries too.

A few other thing considerations (depending on the size of your boat and add-on equipment) would be extra fuses, impellers, spare keys, wire cutters, spare electrical wiring, etc.

5 Tips for the Fall Boater and/or Fisherman

If you plan on venturing out to enjoy fall boating or maybe do some fall fishing - here are some great tips from our friends at BoatUS:

Sunshine isn’t your friend: Don’t let the sunny day deceive you - while it may be T-shirt weather in the morning at the launch ramp or dock, the weather can change quickly during this time of year. Bring extra clothing to dress in layers and always bring foul weather gear.

Float your plan: The fishing hole of raft-up spot crowds may be gone, but that also means your closest potential rescuers are long gone too. A simple sharing of your float plan with family or friends letting them know where you’re going and when you’ll be back could save valuable time in locating you if something happens.

Murphy likes you: Does your boat have any lingering maintenance issues? This isn’t the time of year to find out. Ensure any problems - engine, fuel, charging systems, or safety issues such as navigation lights - are fixed before you go.

I’ve fallen and I can’t get up: A simple fall overboard can kill this time of year. Hypothermia is a real threat. By wearing your life jacket, if you do find yourself accidentally over the side you will float and have time to get back aboard, preferably with a knotted or looped rope attached to the gunnel or ladder that be reached from the water. If you’d like to see just how hard it is to get back in a boat, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation/boardingladders.

Don’t leave without me: If you are alone and fall out, will the boat keep going? It won’t run away if you had your engine cutoff lanyard attached to you or use another type of shutdown device.

Florida Designates License-Free Fishing Days

Want to know how it feels to reel in your first catch? Fishing is fun! Don’t worry about not having a fishing license (just yet); Florida has designated license-free fishing days so you can experience what fishing is all about. This is a great time to introduce children and teens of all ages to fishing, and if you happen to be an avid angler, introduce a friend to the joy of fishing.

Here are the Florida designated license-free fishing days:

License-Free Freshwater Days

Friday, November 29, 2013
Saturday, December 28, 2013

License-Free Saltwater Days

Saturday, November 30, 2013

The fishing license requirement is waived for all resident and non-resident recreational anglers. All other regulations pertaining to seasons, bag and size limits still apply.

The saltwater waiver applies to any recreational harvest requiring a saltwater fishing license (e.g.,crabbing, lobstering, scalloping, etc.) as well as fishing from shore or a boat. A snook or spiny lobster permit are not required on these days.


Ready to make plans to go fishing?