[Snookyrookie]

Hi guys, I'm trying to assemble a small toolkit for on the water emergencies and breakdowns. I am not gifted mechanically, but can do some minor tweaking and wondered what you guys carry onboard. I have a Yami F70, so if there is anything specific to that engine please let me know. My thoughts are a couple of Phillips head screwdrivers of diff lengths and sizes, an adjustable wrench, some 5, 10, and 20amp fuses, tie straps, and duct tape. I prefer to keep it small as I know my limits. Thanks for any help and advice!

 

[Smackdaddy53]

Prop wrench, spare prop, weed eater line to clear pisser, a few assorted electrical connectors and definitely some TP.

 

[MooreMiller]

All of those items sound pretty good. I'd recommend a couple more tools that I've found of use in the past.

One or two different pairs of pliers to remove hose clamps, stuck hoses, and prop cotter pins.

Some type of aerosol electrical connection cleaner to remove corrosion from electrical connections, like those found on the trailer.

A cheap, sharp knife that can get rusty. This is the most useful in my opinion. Can get fishing line out of props, shorten cracked fuel hoses and more!

It is amazing just how much you can fix on a boat with only a few simple tools when you are stuck out in BFE.

 

[DBStoots]

Cell phone and hand held VHF radio, BoatUS membership!

 

[Forcefed]

Spare piece of wire to jump relays etc that have gone bad. Spare fuel tubing, extra prop nut, washer, thrust washer, cotter pin, as changing props out in the water you might drop parts.

 

[crboggs]

Jumper cables...

 

[WhiteDog70810]

First off, maintain your motor religiously. If you neglect your equipment, your list of tools to get yourself back to the ramp will just keep growing and still never be adequate.

You have to also accept that you will never have the right tool for any given job. At best, you will just barely rig it together adequately enough to get back to the ramp. Many times, you will pole back.

These two things will prevent your tool selection from growing out of control.

I'd pack:

Pull-rope w/ for when your starter battery or starter or alternator dies (one came with the motor/don't lose it); I've had a starter fail AND then the pull-rope broke. I upgraded to Kevlar rope and also carry an extra.

Adjustable wrenches are for big bolts that are easy to get to. There are very few of those on a boat, so I'd leave the adjustable wrench on the truck. I find a ratcheting screwdriver with an assortment of bits to include Phillips, flat, Torx, hex and compatible 1/4" sockets (for God's sake, don't forget the 10-14 mm metric sockets) to be really handy for on the water purposes. Good needle nose pliers with integral wire cutters are more helpful on the water that regular pliers. In this capacity, I actual prefer a good multitool with carbide cutters because the cutters are great and you get a knife and file in the same package. You can perform miracles with just a ratcheting screwdriver and a multitool.

A small brass wire brush and some aerosol terminal cleaner are really handy for cleaning off built up corrosion, grime and grease so you can actually see what you are doing.

Don't forget the expendable materials. You need spare fuses, spare drain plug, spare key, duct tape, electrical tape, soft steel wire, JB Weld, zip ties, hose clamps and extras of any bolts and nuts that you are likely to drop overboard (jackplate bolts, battery terminal bolts, prop nut, etc).

Carry a spare prop and necessary tools IF you are likely to break it AND you can fix it on the water. Otherwise, don't bother. Many guys have slowly limped home with fractured props.

Never forget the TP, but get a waterproof container that will keep moisture and mice out of it.

Nate

 

[firecat1981]

Like Alton Brown from Good Eats, I don't like unitaskers (tools that only have a specific purpose). My tool kit is more simple then most I think, for normal trips, assuming we aren't including safety items. It doesn't contain a knife, rope, plyers or wire cutters.....why, cause they are already on the boat and used every trip.

I have a 6-in-1 screwdriver, small adjustable wrench, small vise grips, a few cotter pins, the tool (10mm?) that came with the motor, and some electrical tape if memory serves. All of it has been sealed in a double layer of vacuum bags so it will never corrode.

 

[el9surf]

X2 on the weed eater line. I end up using mine a couple times a year.

 

[Tx_Whipray]

test light to troubleshoot electrical connections. I got some speaker wire and lengthened mine so I can clip it straight to the negative side of the battery.

 

[MooreMiller]

A few people here have mentioned to bring TP. A spare towel works wonders in that department...

 

[fjmaverick]

I have this basic tool set from west marine. I have only used the screw driver and the adjustable wrench. But it keeps everything organized and is small.

Most of the places I fish are serviced by Sea Tow even in 10k islands.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west...cDU88bZS_lvt0cNUsDNH0nguwwcoP64IEYaAlB58P8HAQ

What would you guys do if your remote steering were to go out? Happened to my friend recently on a stick steer jon boat. He ended up calling for a tow but I assume you could rig a tiller to get back to the dock.

 

[MooreMiller]

I have this basic tool set from west marine. I have only used the screw driver and the adjustable wrench. But it keeps everything organized and is small.

Most of the places I fish are serviced by Sea Tow even in 10k islands.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west...cDU88bZS_lvt0cNUsDNH0nguwwcoP64IEYaAlB58P8HAQ

What would you guys do if your remote steering were to go out? Happened to my friend recently on a stick steer jon boat. He ended up calling for a tow but I assume you could rig a tiller to get back to the dock.

Last year my buddy broke the steering wheel off his boat. To get home we just grabbed the 55hp outboard with our hands outboard and steered it at idle

 

[FSUDrew99]

Prop wrench, spare prop, weed eater line to clear pisser, a few assorted electrical connectors and definitely some TP.

TP AND wet wipes..... trust me

 

[Tx_Whipray]

 

[Flatsaholic]

I carry sun glass wipes. I have had many happy people on my boat because I have them. You never know when you might get a little spray or a fish kicks up some water on your glasses. I also carry stuff mentioned above with buffs. Just incase I forget mine or my passengers do not have one. Good to stay out of the sun if possible. I always have spare sunglasses on board. Once in a while you will always get that idiot that forgets his. Yes, I have been that idiot once.

 

[Smackdaddy53]

I carry sun glass wipes. I have had many happy people on my boat because I have them. You never know when you might get a little spray or a fish kicks up some water on your glasses. I also carry stuff mentioned above with buffs. Just incase I forget mine or my passengers do not have one. Good to stay out of the sun if possible. I always have spare sunglasses on board. Once in a while you will always get that idiot that forgets his. Yes, I have been that idiot once.

I have a big Pelican case for ibuprofen, sunscreen, chap stik, lens wipes etc.

 

[westsidefly]

I started carry this after my fuel line was pinched and developed a crack. I never had a chance to use it but I thought it would be handy.

FiberFix 1" x 40" Repair Wrap
https://www.amazon.com/FiberFix-1-Inch-Repair-Wrap/dp/B00B28Z2AC

 

[firecat1981]

The guy just asked about tools. Naturally we all carry a large assortment of other stuff, but you aren't fixing your outboard with baby wipes or chapstick, lol.

 

[noeettica]

If you travel with a small group one of the members will have what the others need ...

I carry a quart of 4 stroke oil to share even though I run a 2 stroke ;-)