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Cruising often takes you far from marinas or professional help, so being able to solve problems on your own is crucial. A well-stocked tool kit ensures you’re prepared for challenges like a loose bolt, torn sail, or minor electrical issue. However, it’s easy to overdo it when buying tools, especially as a beginner. Tools are expensive, heavy, and require maintenance, plus a place to safely stow them when underway. So, it’s important to only bring what you truly need. But how do you know what tools to choose for your repair kit?
Cruising often takes you far from marinas or professional help, so being able to solve problems on your own is crucial. A well-stocked tool kit ensures you’re prepared for challenges like a loose bolt, torn sail, or minor electrical issue. However, it’s easy to overdo it when buying tools, especially as a beginner. Tools are expensive, heavy, and require maintenance, plus a place to safely stow them when underway. So, it’s important to only bring what you truly need. But how do you know what tools to choose for your repair kit?
Step 1: DIY Self-Assessment
Step 1: DIY Self-Assessment
The tools you bring should reflect a realistic assessment of your skills, knowledge, and cruising plans. Are you really going to squeeze into the aft lazarette to fix something? If not, there’s no need to buy the tool for the job. Likewise, if you never plan to grind or sand, do you need respiratory protection onboard?
The tools you bring should reflect a realistic assessment of your skills, knowledge, and cruising plans. Are you really going to squeeze into the aft lazarette to fix something? If not, there’s no need to buy the tool for the job. Likewise, if you never plan to grind or sand, do you need respiratory protection onboard?
These considerations matter. Some jobs require specialized tools, others demand certain physical abilities. Be honest with yourself about which boat projects you're able and willing to tackle. With our professional boat maintenance training, we’re confident in our DIY skills. However, we found it helpful to create a Maintenance Mission Statement for Sea Fox, our Malӧ 39, which we've sailed over 15,000 miles. This statement helps keep us focused:
These considerations matter. Some jobs require specialized tools, others demand certain physical abilities. Be honest with yourself about which boat projects you're able and willing to tackle. With our professional boat maintenance training, we’re confident in our DIY skills. However, we found it helpful to create a Maintenance Mission Statement for Sea Fox, our Malӧ 39, which we've sailed over 15,000 miles. This statement helps keep us focused:
“We strive to keep Sea Fox in top condition, prioritizing safety over mechanics and mechanics over aesthetics, within our financial limits. We aim for the best quality work using the best materials and handle as much of the work ourselves as possible. When our expertise falls short, we’ll hire professionals without question.”
“We strive to keep Sea Fox in top condition, prioritizing safety over mechanics and mechanics over aesthetics, within our financial limits. We aim for the best quality work using the best materials and handle as much of the work ourselves as possible. When our expertise falls short, we’ll hire professionals without question.”
However, paying professionals for everything is unrealistic unless you have the budget for a full-time ship engineer. At some point, you’ll need to tackle basic maintenance and repairs yourself.
However, paying professionals for everything is unrealistic unless you have the budget for a full-time ship engineer. At some point, you’ll need to tackle basic maintenance and repairs yourself.
Your DIY skills will evolve over time. When starting out, even small repairs and projects can feel intimidating, but with some training, you’ll soon find yourself confidently reaching for that socket set you never knew you wanted.
Your DIY skills will evolve over time. When starting out, even small repairs and projects can feel intimidating, but with some training, you’ll soon find yourself confidently reaching for that socket set you never knew you wanted.
Don't rush this process though! Now more than ever, before you even bring tools onboard, is the time to really think long and hard about whether you need them. Consider how you'll use them, how often you'll use them, and whether you actually want to use them.
Don't rush this process though! Now more than ever, before you even bring tools onboard, is the time to really think long and hard about whether you need them. Consider how you'll use them, how often you'll use them, and whether you actually want to use them.
High-Quality Work Requires High-Quality Tools and Materials
High-Quality Work Requires High-Quality Tools and Materials
Part of Sea Fox's mission statement is to do the "best quality work." Everyone's definition of "best" varies, but remember that someone, perhaps even you, will maintain the work you do. Clean, quality work is safer and easier to maintain. To achieve this, you need to invest in high-quality tools. Cheap tools often have poor tolerances and break much sooner than good-quality ones. Spending more upfront will save you money, project time, and potentially sailing days in the long run.
Part of Sea Fox's mission statement is to do the "best quality work." Everyone's definition of "best" varies, but remember that someone, perhaps even you, will maintain the work you do. Clean, quality work is safer and easier to maintain. To achieve this, you need to invest in high-quality tools. Cheap tools often have poor tolerances and break much sooner than good-quality ones. Spending more upfront will save you money, project time, and potentially sailing days in the long run.
The same goes for materials. Using high-quality materials is essential in order to produce high quality work. For instance, we compared marine-grade and automotive 3/0 AWG lugs. The marine-grade lugs cost $21 for two, while automotive lugs were $5.50 for two. At first glance they look very similar products with very divergent price points. However, a keenly trained eye will see that the marine-grade lugs are more durable, tinned for corrosion resistance, and have a closed terminal to prevent water intrusion—features that are well worth the extra cost on a boat.
The same goes for materials. Using high-quality materials is essential in order to produce high quality work. For instance, we compared marine-grade and automotive 3/0 AWG lugs. The marine-grade lugs cost $21 for two, while automotive lugs were $5.50 for two. At first glance they look very similar products with very divergent price points. However, a keenly trained eye will see that the marine-grade lugs are more durable, tinned for corrosion resistance, and have a closed terminal to prevent water intrusion—features that are well worth the extra cost on a boat.
Choose Power Tools Carefully
Choose Power Tools Carefully
It’s easy to get carried away shopping for power tools. There’s a tool for nearly every application, and each brand has its own proprietary batteries and chargers. To save space and hassle, choose just one brand and voltage platform for all your power tools, along with a single charger (plus a spare). Otherwise, if you use a hodgepodge of different brands, you'll need separate batteries and chargers, which will all take up valuable space and power. Stick to one brand, and you'll enjoy interchangeable batteries and chargers—saving both space and energy.
It’s easy to get carried away shopping for power tools. There’s a tool for nearly every application, and each brand has its own proprietary batteries and chargers. To save space and hassle, choose just one brand and voltage platform for all your power tools, along with a single charger (plus a spare). Otherwise, if you use a hodgepodge of different brands, you'll need separate batteries and chargers, which will all take up valuable space and power. Stick to one brand, and you'll enjoy interchangeable batteries and chargers—saving both space and energy.
Before you go on a new power tool shopping spree though, it’s a good idea to go hang out at Home Depot and Lowe’s to play with your potential purchases. Everyone who will be using said tools should try them out to make sure you agree on which to buy. This is exactly how we landed on Makita 18V for our onboard toolbox. Milwaukee and Dewalt tools are just plain too big for Julie’s tiny hands, but Makita fit just right and come in 18V versions, which is our preferred voltage platform. On Sea Fox, we’ve allocated space for a whopping SIX essential power tools: drill, driver, oscillating saw, angle grinder, random orbital sander, and battery-operated shopvac. The sander is primarily because Sea Fox has teak decks which require periodic TLC. If we had fiberglass decks, we’d probably ditch that selection.
Before you go on a new power tool shopping spree though, it’s a good idea to go hang out at Home Depot and Lowe’s to play with your potential purchases. Everyone who will be using said tools should try them out to make sure you agree on which to buy. This is exactly how we landed on Makita 18V for our onboard toolbox. Milwaukee and Dewalt tools are just plain too big for Julie’s tiny hands, but Makita fit just right and come in 18V versions, which is our preferred voltage platform. On Sea Fox, we’ve allocated space for a whopping SIX essential power tools: drill, driver, oscillating saw, angle grinder, random orbital sander, and battery-operated shopvac. The sander is primarily because Sea Fox has teak decks which require periodic TLC. If we had fiberglass decks, we’d probably ditch that selection.
Hand Tools 101
Hand Tools 101
As you learn about tools, you’ll discover there’s much more to it than a hammer, pliers, and screwdriver. And that the tools you need depend not only on your skills but on your boat. Every boat is unique and requires specific tools in various sizes and configurations. For example, screwdrivers come in a multitude of tip sizes and shapes. Most cruisers can get by with a #1, #2, and #3 Phillips screwdriver, and flat-head screwdrivers in sizes 3.5mm (for precision work), 5.5mm (general use), and 6.5mm (for larger screws). However, be sure to take the time to familiarize yourself with your boat’s fasteners and space limitations when selecting hand tools.
As you learn about tools, you’ll discover there’s much more to it than a hammer, pliers, and screwdriver. And that the tools you need depend not only on your skills but on your boat. Every boat is unique and requires specific tools in various sizes and configurations. For example, screwdrivers come in a multitude of tip sizes and shapes. Most cruisers can get by with a #1, #2, and #3 Phillips screwdriver, and flat-head screwdrivers in sizes 3.5mm (for precision work), 5.5mm (general use), and 6.5mm (for larger screws). However, be sure to take the time to familiarize yourself with your boat’s fasteners and space limitations when selecting hand tools.
We also recommend having multiples of certain tools. A long-shank screwdriver might be perfect for reaching into the engine’s web of hoses but too unwieldy for tight spaces, like behind your DC electrical panel, where a stubby screwdriver would be a better choice. It’s also wise to keep backups of your most-used tools in case one falls overboard and is unretrievable.
We also recommend having multiples of certain tools. A long-shank screwdriver might be perfect for reaching into the engine’s web of hoses but too unwieldy for tight spaces, like behind your DC electrical panel, where a stubby screwdriver would be a better choice. It’s also wise to keep backups of your most-used tools in case one falls overboard and is unretrievable.
Specialty Tools
Specialty Tools
Boats often require specialty tools. For example, if your boat has a NavPod at the helm, you’ll need a proprietary tool to open its fasteners. Again, conducting a thorough search of your boat to identify any unusual fasteners or tools you may need for future repairs will be time well spent.
Boats often require specialty tools. For example, if your boat has a NavPod at the helm, you’ll need a proprietary tool to open its fasteners. Again, conducting a thorough search of your boat to identify any unusual fasteners or tools you may need for future repairs will be time well spent.
A rivet gun is another great example. How many places on your boat can you see rivets in action and potentially want to use it?
A rivet gun is another great example. How many places on your boat can you see rivets in action and potentially want to use it?
Organizing Your Tools for Easy Access
Organizing Your Tools for Easy Access
Organizing your tools is just as important as having the right ones. Space on a boat is limited, so it’s vital to use every corner efficiently. Soft-sided tool bags are perfect for odd-shaped spaces and are gentler on varnish than hard-sided toolboxes. We use different-colored bags for different tool sets to make grabbing the right one easier.
Organizing your tools is just as important as having the right ones. Space on a boat is limited, so it’s vital to use every corner efficiently. Soft-sided tool bags are perfect for odd-shaped spaces and are gentler on varnish than hard-sided toolboxes. We use different-colored bags for different tool sets to make grabbing the right one easier.
You’ll also want to invest in durable, gasketed waterproof toolboxes for your most vulnerable tools so they stay safe and dry. Make sure you have secure stowage spaces for these before you purchase, as they are bulky and need to be properly restrained when underway.
You’ll also want to invest in durable, gasketed waterproof toolboxes for your most vulnerable tools so they stay safe and dry. Make sure you have secure stowage spaces for these before you purchase, as they are bulky and need to be properly restrained when underway.
One major deviation from terrestrial tool storage is organization. Julie’s dad was a car mechanic with impeccably organized rolling toolboxes that lined the walls of her garage growing up. If you needed a wrench, you just opened the wrench drawer, and there they all were for you to choose from. On boats, it’s not quite that simple.
One major deviation from terrestrial tool storage is organization. Julie’s dad was a car mechanic with impeccably organized rolling toolboxes that lined the walls of her garage growing up. If you needed a wrench, you just opened the wrench drawer, and there they all were for you to choose from. On boats, it’s not quite that simple.
A far more functional strategy is to organize tools by frequency of use and the jobs you will use them for. For example, we keep our work gloves and safety glasses in the tool bag with the grinder and oscillating saw. Same goes for frequency of tool use. If you find that a particular tool, like a marlinspike, sees a lot of use, give it a prominent, easily accessible storage spot so you don’t have to dig through your settee every time.
A far more functional strategy is to organize tools by frequency of use and the jobs you will use them for. For example, we keep our work gloves and safety glasses in the tool bag with the grinder and oscillating saw. Same goes for frequency of tool use. If you find that a particular tool, like a marlinspike, sees a lot of use, give it a prominent, easily accessible storage spot so you don’t have to dig through your settee every time.
Expanding Your Toolkit: Maintenance and Repairs
Expanding Your Toolkit: Maintenance and Repairs
Once you have the basics covered, it’s time to add tools and materials that are tailored to your specific maintenance and repair needs. Customization is key here, otherwise you’ll wind up trying to store an entire Home Depot tool aisle under your port settee which never works out favorably! Here are a few of our essentials to get you started:
Once you have the basics covered, it’s time to add tools and materials that are tailored to your specific maintenance and repair needs. Customization is key here, otherwise you’ll wind up trying to store an entire Home Depot tool aisle under your port settee which never works out favorably! Here are a few of our essentials to get you started:
- Socket Sets: Covers bolts and fasteners of various sizes and is particularly important for engine work. Socket rails are a much more economic way to store sockets than the bulky cases they typically come in. Spring for a variety of adapters, extensions, and both shallow and deep sockets.
- Allen Wrenches and Torx L Key Sets: There are a lot of options for hex key sets. We like the Wera sets which are color coded by size, great quality, and have a wobble end for added versatility.
- Spare Parts: Stock up on items like shackles, cotter pins, clevis pins, hose clamps, and fuses before a big cruise. It’s prudent to ensure you have backups for every fuse on your boat.
- Sail Repair Kit: Sail Rite has several excellent kits to choose from based on your DIY savvy. We’d also recommend including a Speedy Stitcher sewing awl which makes repairing heavy sail cloth and canvas a snap.
- Splicing Kit: A standard fit set, marlinspike, and assortment of needles will keep you splicing, whipping, and making soft shackles for everything you can think of.
Tips For Building Your Kit Over Time
Tips For Building Your Kit Over Time
You don’t need to buy everything at once. Focus on the basics and gradually expand your kit as you tackle new projects and develop new skills. Be sure to always prioritize quality when adding new tools, as they will last longer in the harsh marine environment. It’s also a prudent practice to complete certain jobs before leaving the dock, as you may discover a specialty tool or bit you didn’t realize you needed. Establish a preventative maintenance routine and process before setting sail to ensure you have everything you need onboard, and that you know how to use it. Which brings us to our most important consideration in planning your toolkit.
You don’t need to buy everything at once. Focus on the basics and gradually expand your kit as you tackle new projects and develop new skills. Be sure to always prioritize quality when adding new tools, as they will last longer in the harsh marine environment. It’s also a prudent practice to complete certain jobs before leaving the dock, as you may discover a specialty tool or bit you didn’t realize you needed. Establish a preventative maintenance routine and process before setting sail to ensure you have everything you need onboard, and that you know how to use it. Which brings us to our most important consideration in planning your toolkit.
The Most Important Tool of All
The Most Important Tool of All
The most important tool isn’t a wrench or a screwdriver—it’s the knowledge of how to use your tools properly. If you walk the docks at your marina and ask half a dozen marine technicians which tools they would use for a particular job, you could easily get half a dozen different answers. And that’s perfectly normal! Everyone has different preferences, but you need experience to learn what yours are. Hands-on workshops and classes are a great way to work on learning this. Try to take workshops on sail repair, engine servicing, and electrical troubleshooting at a minimum. Pay attention to the resources used in these classes so you can start building your onboard maintenance reference library too. Attending classes will also help you connect with other like-minded sailors, forming a network of support for boat repairs.
The most important tool isn’t a wrench or a screwdriver—it’s the knowledge of how to use your tools properly. If you walk the docks at your marina and ask half a dozen marine technicians which tools they would use for a particular job, you could easily get half a dozen different answers. And that’s perfectly normal! Everyone has different preferences, but you need experience to learn what yours are. Hands-on workshops and classes are a great way to work on learning this. Try to take workshops on sail repair, engine servicing, and electrical troubleshooting at a minimum. Pay attention to the resources used in these classes so you can start building your onboard maintenance reference library too. Attending classes will also help you connect with other like-minded sailors, forming a network of support for boat repairs.
Ready to Keep Learning?
Ready to Keep Learning?
Then you need to come sail with us! Joining a training expedition will give you a real-world taste of the cruising life in a dynamic learning environment.
Then you need to come sail with us! Joining a training expedition will give you a real-world taste of the cruising life in a dynamic learning environment.
Don't Forget Your Free Mini-Course
Don't Forget Your Free Mini-Course
Download our free mini-course that will teach you all about building and using your electrical toolkit in an 18-page guide plus 2 video demonstration lessons.
Download our free mini-course that will teach you all about building and using your electrical toolkit in an 18-page guide plus 2 video demonstration lessons.
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