tools

[captn-tin]

I have a Lund 1800 Fisherman with 115 and 9.9 yamahas both 4-stroke. Any ideas on what tools I should have on board? The boat has been trouble free, but yaneverno. Appreciate any tips.....Thanks Bill

 

[bds85466]

Re: tools

I've found that having a vice grip is very, very handy on a boat since it can be used in place of many tools. Flat head/phillips interchangeable screwdrivers are nice, too. I would also think that a spark plug socket (with spares of course) and a socket fitting your prop (plus a spare) would also be useful. A tiny socket set wouldn't run you more than 15 bucks at the local hardware store. If you're on saltwater, they may be more suceptible to rusting but it's always wise to have the ability to change out the most sensitive equipment on your boat. You probably have these, but...Oars are a nice thing to have in a worst-case-scenario.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: tools

What I do is to pop the cowlings off the engines, then assemble a specific set of sockets and combination wrenches to fit just the fasteners used. I do the same with the boat. A ratchet and a couple of extensions.

A four-way screwdriver (you know the ones), a medium vice-grips, a spark plug wrench and prop nut wrenches, a good pair of diagonal wire-cutters (used mainly for pulling cotter pins), needle-nosed pliers, and an assortment of crimp-style electrical connectors. I skip the crimper, since I can strip and crimp with the diagonals.

I also add half a dozen red shop rags and a tube of waterless hand cleaner. I wrap the tools in the rags to keep 'em from rattling around in the box.

Also in the toolbox are a couple of spare transom plugs, a spare key for the boat and the tow vehicle, and some electrical tape. Spark plugs for both engines, too. Brand new, in their boxes.

I have a waterproof nylon box all this goes in. I can't remember where I got it, but it has a rubber gasket and seals up really well. I haven't had any rust so far. I do spray things with WD-40 at the beginning of the season, though.

 

[BF]

Re: tools

ditto, a spare prop and all the tools required to change it would be a start. A properly charged portable jump-start unit might come in handy (?) or tools that would allow you to connect a trolling motor battery to be used as an engine starting battery in a pinch (or jumper cables?). If you feed both engines from the same on-board tank, how about a gallon or two of gasoline that is separate from that one supply? (and no, not purchased at the same time). Enough rope to use as a tow line if you end up needing a tow in.

As for tools, I think it depends quite a bit on how handy you are. Consider what are the things are likely to leave you stranded, and where you boat. Which (if any) of those things could you fix on the water with minimal tools? Maybe the most important thing would be a VHF, or a cell phone and the phone number to a towing outfit, or the coast guard, or your friend back at shore?

When I'm out in an a sparsely inhabited (or deserted) inland lake, I like having redundant power (which you have), spare spark plugs, wrench, prop, drive pins (if needed), pliers, flashlight, multi-bit screwdriver, vice grips, zip ties, extra fuel line (one for each engine), rope, multi-function pocket knife and a few other small things as a minimum. Also, I always have fire starter stuff, bandaids, compass etc in a small fanny pack in case I end up having to spend the night on shore away from home. I'm usually out of cell coverage, but now often carry a GMRS radio that would allow others in my group to contact me if I went missing.

I'd be a lot more paranoid if I boated on big water or where a current could sweep me away. VHF would be added quickly.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: tools

first aid kit for the busted knuckles,

 

[Silvertip]

Re: tools

I also have a length of #10 awg wire, tinned on both ends to serve as a solenoid jump start device should a solenoid take a dump. A few other electrical tools (spare fuses, side cutter, zip ties, electrical tape and a WalMart multimeter) will help repair any electrical glitches on the water. Of course, if you get nervous changing batteries in a flashlight you might as well leave these items at home. Keep things that are sensitive to moisure in a Military surplus ammunition canister. They are water proof and virtually indestructable.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: tools

Of course, if you get nervous changing batteries in a flashlight you might as well leave these items at home.

Not necessarily. They can help if someone who can help shows up.

 

[byacey]

Re: tools

I also carry a spare set of points and condenser, as well as a puller to get the flywheel off. It appears your motors are electronic ignition so these probably don't apply here. A spare fuel filter is good to have onboard too.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: tools

There really isn't much you can repair with a vicegrip, 6"/12" crecent wrench, and some spare wire! 12" crecent works well for prop changes too!

 

[BF]

Re: tools

I've found small vicegrips helpful at times to clamp some broken piece together long enough to get home. It is also amazing how zip ties, SS hose clamps or wire can hold broken pieces together in the short term. My BIL's van broke a coil spring once when I was with him. On the highway, at night, and a small town with the local tow guy closed... we used hose clamps and wire to fasten one coil of the spring above the break to a coil of spring below the break. It held together long enough to drive it to a spring shop the next day (2 hours drive) where all the guys in the shop marveled at our road-side bodge job.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: tools

Plug wrench and spare plugs (I use lest years good ones) Prop wrench and spare prop nut and split pin. Multi end snap on screwdriver. Adjustable wrenches (2 sizes) vice grips, pliers, sharp knife, powerful light, spare plugs all over the place, spare key and small wire brush.
Thats about it. Anything more and you need a tow in !!!

 

[yukonpike]

Re: tools

Found my self in a situation today. I have a jet unit on my boat and pulled rope for a toawable into the unit. i would also make sure that you have a very sharep knife and something to cut wire with.