We all know the definition of cruising, right? Fixing your boat in exotic locations. That may be a little tongue-in-cheek, but there's a nugget of truth in there. And that means the tools you choose to carry aboard are worth some consideration.
A well-appointed tool kit that is properly sized and organized will facilitate common repairs and maintenance by giving you the right tool in the right place, allowing you to focus on the job. An unplanned kit, whether too large or too small, can frustrate you with endless searching, tempt you to ignore problems and often lead you to press some ill-fitting implement into service, with predictably bad results.
The trick, of course, is what to carry and how to organize it. While the answers will be different for every boat and every captain, what follows are some ideas on how to assemble the right set of tools and set them in order in a way that makes sense.
Do you have something like this onboard? Then it is time to do some organization. As all writers know, stories like this are risky because leaving out some vital gear or gizmo can make you look foolish. Just remember that these are guidelines. What you actually carry will be dictated by your boat, your budget and your activities on the water.
BUYING TOOLS
Arriving at the ideal tool set will not happen in a day. Rather, a good set of tools evolves over time as you take on jobs and then add or subtract–mostly add–based on your experience. A smart strategy is to start with some basics, then add new tools to make life easier or to handle specific requirements as you work on different systems.
Before I get to specifics, I want to lay out a few assumptions. For starters, I believe that life is too short to work with crappy tools, and so I recommend that you buy the best you can afford and treat them well. They may not be stainless steel and they probably won't come in one of those neat plastic cases you find in the marine stores. But they'll do the job and they'll last, if you take care of them.
I also tend to stay away from buying large tool assortments. The pricing and the volume are tempting, especially when you are starting out. And there are some exceptions. But in general, my experience is that I end up using about half of the tools and the rest just lie around taking up room.
Selecting quality tools means selecting a quality tool maker, and here you will find strong opinions among boaters. Everyone has their favorites.
Since the marine market is comparatively small market, we look to those who supply larger markets, such as automotive mechanics. Among these suppliers Sears is perhaps the best known and most accessible. For years Sears Craftsman tools have enjoyed a reputation for quality and a warranty second to none, though there have been complaints in recent years about service.
SK tools are on a par with Craftsman and are available at most auto parts stores. Cornwell, Matco and Mac tools are better quality but aimed at professional auto mechanics. Snap-On tools are considered by many to be the best tools available, though they are also among the most expensive.
All have great warranties and stand behind their tools. They are also less accessible to the general public because they are sold out of dedicated tool trucks that go to shops and sell directly to mechanics. Make friends with your auto or boat mechanic and see if you can arrange to buy from their supplier. There are also bargains to be had on eBay and elsewhere. As in all things, you pay your money and you take your chances. In most cases I prefer spending a little more and getting a quality tool.
SCREWDRIVERS AND SOCKETS
Getting down to specifics, we can start with screwdrivers, one of the main components of any tool kit. You'll need several sizes of Phillips and flat head (blade), to handle all applications. Small tools fit in tight spaces and large tools handle heavy jobs (the longer the driver, the better your mechanical advantage). Get screwdrivers with cushioned grips for more secure turning.
