Essentials To Carry Onboard for Emergency Repairs

Published: Monday, July 15, 2019
By: John Tiger

Boating season is in full swing. Have you given thought to what would you do if you broke down out on the water? Could you do a quick fix on something aboard your boat should you experience a malfunction? While in many cases of breakdown you could get a quick tow back to where you presumably have more in the way of tools and parts, that may not always be the case. You could get stranded with no one else around to help, or on a large waterway, you could be stuck miles from home.

Here we’ll discuss a solid base for an on-board tool kit, with items you should have aboard at all times in case of mishap. Hopefully these items will never be needed, but better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them.

SAFETY & GENERAL

A quality first aid kit is a number-one. You could cut or otherwise injure yourself trying to make repairs, and then what?

Don’t just pack the standard kit aboard; depending on the price, many mass-produced “marine” first aid kits really don’t have the essentials needed. Inspect what’s inside and repack with essentials.
Don’t forget to check and update the kit at least once per season.

A marine fire extinguisher is a must. Don’t skimp on this item either, as it could literally save your life. Imagine, for example, pouring fuel into the tank after you’ve run out, spilling and causing a fire...

A quality paddle, just in case. Your repairs might not work, and you’ll be thankful you can paddle to shore.

Hi-strength string/twine, plastic “zip ties” (ty-straps), a roll of duct tape, and electrician’s tape should also be aboard. A good supply of bungees and securing straps is also a good idea. You never know, but with these you could repair a hose, hold a part to (or away from) another part, etc.

Don’t skimp on tie-up lines and a towrope. These should be sturdy, and inspected for rot and deterioration annually. You may just need a tow back to port.

An anchor is required gear in most states. Having one and using it could keep you from drifting down the lake if your engine’s out and you’re waiting for help.

A VHF radio could mean help coming when your cell phones don’t get a signal. A handheld will work fine if the batteries are charged.

EMERGENCY BREAKDOWN AND REPAIR

A “jump start” box that—most important—is kept charged, is a must-have. A set of jumper cables to go with it is also a good idea. These come in handy after a day on the sandbar playing tunes, and you’ve run down the battery so it won’t start the engine.

A tool kit that you make up, much like the first aid kit:

Start with a generic marine toolkit that includes the basics: standard pliers, cutting and needle-nose pliers, standard and Phillips screwdrivers, nut drivers, combination wrenches, adjustable wrench, ratchet, extension and sockets, a small hand saw, and other tools. You can get a kit at West Marine, Bass Pro and others. Then, add special items such as:

Spare fuses
Small rolls of wire
Spare spark plugs
Spare belt (for inboards and stern drives. Don’t forget to learn how to install it, and have the tools needed.)
Small extendable mirror and magnet (for seeing and retrieving dropped bolts and tools!)
Don’t forget to keep the tools inside your kit lubricated with WD-40 or spray silicone. If kept in the boat, chances are they’ll be exposed constantly to moisture, and they’ll rust.

A spare ignition key and spare kill switch lanyard, in case of loss.

A spare propeller with installation hardware and installation wrench. (Don’t forget a spare prop nut, thrust washer and related parts.)

Don’t forget a spare quart of oil, whether your boat is stern drive, inboard or outboard, two or four-stroke.

Consider a spare gallon of fuel. It may get you to the nearest marina or at least to shore if you mistakenly run out. Be careful storing it; a fuel spill could be smelly, or disastrous.

This primer is by no means a complete list. Customize your on-board essentials for your boat, your engine, and your boating lifestyle, and you’ll be that much better equipped to handle breakdowns and mishaps like a pro.

This article first appeared in the Summer Issue (Jul/Aug) 2019 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.

tags: Boating 101, safety, Service & Repair