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.