10 Must Have Tools Onboard Your Boat

Electric tape is great for a quick patch, but recognize that connections will need to be fixed properly after you get off the water. Courtesy Lenny Rudow

Whether your boat launched a week ago or a decade ago, there’s always a chance that something aboard will need fixing the next time you pull off the dock. And there’s a good chance that whatever the issue is, you’ll need a tool to remedy it. All experienced boaters keep an emergency toolkit aboard and we hope that yours has these 10 critical items in it.

1. A screwdriver with multiple bits–Loose screws are endemic aboard boats, because they’re subject to constant vibrations as the boat is underway. Vibrations can cause screws to loosen up with frustrating regularity, and there isn’t a boater among us who hasn’t found a mystery screw rolling around on the deck at one time or another. You’ll need a driver to put those screws back in place, and since you never know if you’ll need a Phillips or a flathead nor what size will be appropriate, it’s best to carry one with multiple bits. Toss a set of Allen (hex) heads in there, too, just to make sure all the bases are covered.

2. Pliers–Pliers come in handy for a number of things, whether you need to grasp something your fingers can’t tighten around or bend an item back to shape. Be sure to get a pair with cutters, too, as these can come in quite handy when you need to snip through something tough like wire or fishing line.

Whether it’s tightening or loosening, having several adjustable wrenches within arm’s reach are mission-critical boating tools. Courtesy Grainger

3. Adjustable crescent wrenches–Tightening down a bolt head or nut is another common required quick fix. In a perfect world, you’d have a complete set of wrenches and ratchets, but many boats just don’t have the stowage space to keep all those tools aboard. So, get a couple of adjustables that span all your likely needs. 

4. WD-40–Boats have plenty of moving parts, and when one needs immediate lubrication few things can do the trick like WD-40. And if your boat has polyethylene foam decking, nothing gets out stains like WD-40. It may sound surprising but it works wonders—just spray it on and rub it off, and the offending contaminants come right off with it. 

WD-40 is a boater’s secret weapon when it comes to lubricating stuck parts in a hurry. It’s also really effective at cleaning foam decks. Courtesy WD-40

5. A knife with a sturdy blade–Whether you need to trim a line or cut a patch, it’s virtually impossible to count the number of times a knife will come in handy on a boat. But make sure you get one with a stout blade so it survives many multitasking uses and the harsh saltwater environment.

6. Electric tape–Electrical problems are common on boats, and if you need to make a quick patch you’ll also need a way to cover it up. Remember that connections protected by electric tape should be considered temporary and will require a proper fix once you get back at the dock, but that quick patch will keep things operational for short-term use. Added bonus: electric tape can also be used to create a temporary cushion between two pieces or parts that may be impacting each other, and you can even use it like any other tape to hold stuff together.

7. Electric tester probe/light–Electrical problems are a constant issue on boats. And if you need to do some quick troubleshooting to figure out why a running light went dark or a switch doesn’t seem to be functioning, an electric tester with a probe and light is irreplaceable.

8. Duct tape–Is it possible to enumerate the ways duct tape can come in handy on a boat? Prompt patches, bulletproof bindings and uber-fast fixes will all be in the cards if you have duct tape at the ready. That said, we have to offer the same caution we did with using electrical tape aboard a boat: all of those rapid repairs must be considered temporary and will need to be properly addressed when you get back to the dock. 

Zip ties are great for securing things in, well, a zip. Courtesy Lenny Rudow

9. Zip ties–Whether you need to secure a bundle of loose wires, support a cable or connect a pair of loops, few tools can do the trick like zip ties. They take seconds to attach, are shockingly strong and last for years. So, always keep an assortment of zip ties on hand. 

10. A watertight toolbox or bag–Be sure to keep all those emergency tools stowed safe and dry. Even if you purchase top-quality tools, corrosion can be a problem. Plus, you’ll want to have all these goodies in one secure place so you always know where they are when you need them.

We love our boats, but we also know that boats sometimes require immediate attention. Keep these 10 must-have tools onboard, and you’ll be prepared for countless quick fixes, emergency patches and get-home repairs.

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