As the Managing Director of Aquamarine Services and an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor, I often get asked about essential tools to keep on your boat. While you can’t prepare for every eventuality, having the right tools onboard can make all the difference during an extended cruise. Here is a comprehensive checklist of tools to keep on your boat which can help you perform a quick fix which might keep you underway until you can get proper repairs.
Ratchet handles and extensions
- 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 Drive Ratchet Handles
- Short, medium, and long Extension Bars
- Universal Joints to suit
- 1/2 Drive Breaker Bar
- 3/8 Drive Breaker Bar
Sockets
- Metric Sockets: 4 to 24mm
- Metric Deep Sockets: 8 to 19mm
- Metric Hex Head / Allen / Inhex: 1.5 to 12mm
- Metric Spark Plug Sockets: 16 and 21mm
- Imperial Sockets: 3/16 to 1”
- Imperial Deep Sockets: 1/4” to 3/4”
- Imperial Hex Head / Allen / Inhex: 1/16 to 3/8
Spanners
- Metric Ring / Open End: 6mm to 24mm
- Imperial Ring / Open End: 1/4 to 7/8
- Adjustable Wrenches: 300mm and 450mm (not pictured)
Other essential tools
- Hammer
- Hacksaw
- Knife
- File
- Adjustable Pliers
- Vice Grips
- Side Cutters
- Wire Strippers
- Wire Crimpers
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Phillips Screwdrivers
- Flat Blade Screwdrivers
- Torch
- Impact Driver
- Cordless Drill
- Screwdriver Bits (not pictured)
- Drill Bits (not pictured)
- Silicone Gun (not pictured)
- Multimeter
- Torch
- Extendable Magnet
- Infrared Thermometer
Though this list may seem extensive, all the tools can fit in a bag similar in size to carry-on luggage. These tools will cover a wide range of scenarios, but remember that each boat is different. This list is not definitive or exhaustive.
