Tools To Keep With Your Boat...

[Busy]

I'm making a list of tools that I feel are essential to keep with my boat so I can go buy them and always have them there. It's a pretty simple aluminum boat w/ a pull-start motor.

Here's what I've got:

1) Ratchet with medium extension, 1 socket, 1 deep-well socket, 1 end wrench for getting spare tire off the trailer, and tires off the trailer

2) Spark plug wrench with an extra spark plug

What are some things that you guys keep on your boat to be prepared?

[Fishing Rhino]

Don't keep any tools on the boat. I do have jumper cables in case the battery that starts the engine has a problem. It has happened in the past and I had to remove the cables from one of my trolling motor's batteries and hook it up to the outboard. From there it was back to the ramp, get the jumpers from the back of my truck, switch the batteries back, jump the batteries to get the motor started, then run around a while to get the starting battery recharged.

If I had a spare propeller, I'd have a wrench to remove the prop nut, then to tighten it when the spare prop is installed. Other than that, I wouldn't fool around with the motor on the water. Being the doofus that I am, I'd be dropping tools and/or parts in the drink.

I do carry tools in the back of the truck, plus a spare hub and bearings for the trailer. Oh yeah, and a grease gun too.

On all the waters I fish around here, the trolling motor can get me back to the dock. I can, and in most cases load the boat without using the outboard. From there, the rig will go to the shop, where they can diagnose the problem and fix it.

[Busy]

I mean to keep with the boat while its out of water so that when I get it out I don't forget things I may need. I just mounted the spare to the trailer last night and realized I never have a deep-well in my car to get it off. Just trying to get everything I may need put together to leave in the boat at home so I'll never forget it . That's why I mounted the spare to the trailer, so I don't forget! Sometimes I am in a hurry to get fishing.

Good thinking carrying a spare hub. My trailer has tiny tires so I don't think I will pull it more than 2-3 hours away.

[Nice_Bass]

zip ties, electrical tape, shrink tubing and wire crimps.

Several different screwdrivers that i know are sized right for screws on my boat/electronics, a few with long handles, and more importantly a few real stubby ones.

Several wrenches and sockets- again sized to what I know I need.

small pair of bolt cutters for errant hook sets. have not had to use them yet though.

Last but not least- a hammer. Not sure why, but maybe someday I will actually need it.

Carry it all in a small bag.

[Sam]

Jumper cables

Electric testing meter

Electrical tools and fittings in their case

Pliers

3/4 inch socket wrench for prop

Block of wood to use to secure prop when replacing it

Set of tools in their case

Marine hand held radio

Trolling motor replacement parts when changing trolling motor prop

Two spare props and one spare trolling motor prop

Flares

Two paddles

Push pole

Tow rope

Extra container of oil

Two moring ropes

Anchor with long rope

3-bank battery charger

That's all I can think of now.

[Gotfishyfingers?]

Funny, I just put some misc. tools in a plano box today, to put in my boat.

[slonezp]

Also, don't forget sandpaper or wire brush to clean corroded connectors

[Fishing Rhino]

Also, don't forget sandpaper or wire brush to clean corroded connectors

It has been my experience that when battery terminals become corroded it's past time to change the battery. I could tell when one of the batteries was headed downhill when I'd go below into the engine compartment of my lobster boat. It reeked of battery acid. No such odor emanated from good batteries.

When they are on the way out, the alternator will constantly try to charge the battery, and it will gas off the acid fumes. These fumes and the residue of those fumes that coats a failing battery are what corrodes the connections at the battery posts. The residue is what appears to be a moist area around the battery caps. You can clean it off, but that is just treating the symptom, not the problem.

You can purchase felt washers impregnated with a substance that helps to ward off corrosion. Put them on the terminal between the clamp and the battery.

I replaced a five plus year old battery in my truck last year and had no corrosion on the posts.

The need to frequently add water to a battery is an indicator that the battery is on its last legs, or there is a problem in the charging system.

[CHRGD]

Everything mentioned, and spare fuses, and bulbs.

[KevO]

I carry a battery jumper box in case the cranking battery goes dead. it's easier than jumping the battery off from the trolling batteries too.

[The Guy]

adding to the mentioned above items, starter fluid

[Sam]

Also, don't forget sandpaper or wire brush to clean corroded connectors

Yep. Great advice.

[clayton86]

wow no ones mentioned a do it all wrench aka vise grips theres nothing you cant do with some vise grips and duct tape lol

[jimmykm21]

Spare plugs , fuses , wrench to change plugs , electrical tape , small screw driver set.

As was said already . There's not a lot I could do on the water on my outboard.

Trolling motor will get me back in an emergency.

[Busy]

Thank you all for the replies!

[Long Mike]

One of the most important tools that you may need in emergencies has been omitted from the above posts. Toilet paper. I always have a roll in a zip-lock on my boat. Ya just never know when you might need it. To date, I never have.

[bass or bass ?]

I figure I'm out on the water alone with no one to help me. I keep a complete socket set with short and long extensions and rachet, 3/8 through 7/8 open end wrenches, flat and philips screwdrivers, 2 vise grips, needle nose and regular pliers, electrical tape, duct tape, electrical wire, extra spark plugs & plug wrench, hammer, assorted hose clamps, tie wire, and extra fuses. There may be more in my boat tool box that I can't think of at the moment.

[rb56]

i may have overlooked it, but depending on what brand of motor and trolling motor, shear pins for both and tools for the job. a must have. i have found a 6 or 8 inch crescent, a pair of channel lock pliers, a regular and phillips head screwdriver and a man can usually get back home. also the combination tools which are the pliers that fold with a knife, screwdriver and all can be very helpful and there are some decent one's that don't break when you open them. just remember this is a tool used to get out of a bind and isn't for anything heavy duty. also a most important tool is a first aid kit.