Here is the problem with a boat and tools. Space is at a premium on a boat and everything is a tradeoff. Do I put in another tool chest in the lazarette or a 10 HP margarita machine that makes you the life of the party at the next rendezvous? These are seriously important decisions people.

It can be safely said that tools are required on a boat. I see it in three distinct categories. The first category is a bare number of tools I feel every boater should have if they leave the dock. This is a just a safety matter. There are certain situations where you want to try and enact an immediate repair. Also, you cannot always depend on getting a tow or help of a nearby boater. Being a mariner to me is about having that self-reliance.

The second category is the “bulk” list of tools. This category revolves around having the tools available that support your personnel set of skills. Whether that’s mechanical, electrical, or plumbing. You need the right tool to match the skill or else a large amount of swearing ensues. Or as my wife puts it, every plumbing project involves a large amount of swearing.

The third category are tools that are great for project work but, likely are too bulky to store on board.

The next question is; what brands and or where to you source them from? In general, I believe you get what you pay for when it comes to tools. There are times where I will source tools from harbor freight (cheap) and times where I pay for a leading brand. Here are the few items I pay more for and why for each:

• Screw drivers – Klein. I have never had one tarnish, and the handles are properly sized and have non-slip grip and they are pretty darn sturdy. You do not want barked knuckles here and a good grip reduces slipping and possibly stripping screw heads.
• Wire crimping tools – Ancor for smaller gauge and FTZ for large gauge wire. Avoiding one trip by a marine electrician will likely pay for good quality crimpers. You want the best crimps and seals possible on your wiring to avoid long term issues. Match your connectors/lugs brand to the crimper.
• Festool vacuum – Few things. It has a HEPA filter and you DO NOT want to vacuum and aerosolize most of the crap we suck up on a boat. Fiberglass dust is bad for the lungs. Second, it has locking castor to keep it put, auto-power on for plugged in tools, and last a nice variable speed control. I have used other shop vacs but, if I have to pick just one then this is it.
• Hand power tools. Several on this list. The better name brands usually are quitter and have variable speed control which is a must.
• Mechanic tools. I use Craftsman. Lifetime warranty. I have had 20-year-old socket wrenches that failed and got a swap out in the store. Also, cheap sockets and wrenches are a recipe to smash knuckles or strip a bolt head. Cheap sockets and wrenches are rage inducing for me. Wait for a holiday and Craftsman usually has their sets on sale. I have one on the boat I like very much as it comes in an all-plastic toolbox with built in slots for every tool. There are other high quality brands as well out there. 

As a disclaimer: this is not a complete tools list. Will there be items that others have on their boat? You bet there will be. Will you have the tools necessary to complete most repair tasks while away from dock? Yes, you will. 

Last, I want to thank the DeFever Cruiser Forum members for making this possible.

I have set up an Amazon list here with some recommendations:
( https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1V28OF2QTD5B8?ref_=wl_share )

I am going to categorize tools into three categories:

1. Essentials – Tools you should have on the boat. Full stop.
2. Tools for doing boat project stuff
3. Tools that are nice to have but, may be on or off the boat.

Essential Tools

• Portable tool bag
• Screwdrivers. I use Klein exclusively. ¼ and 5/16 slotted and #2 and #3 phillips
• Mini screwdriver set. 
• Needle nose pliers. Large / Small
• Diagonal wire cutters
• Channel locks (Medium / Large)
• Volt meter (I have fluke and spear)
• Rubber mallet
• Rescue tape
• Very, very, large flat screwdriver (doubles as prybar)
• Lineman pliers
• Folding sheet rock saw + metal/wood cutting blade
• Flashlight
• Basic metric and SAE wrench set
• Razor knife
• Tape measure
• Cordless Drill and metal cutting bit set
• Titanium step drill set
• Ear plugs and safety glasses

Project Tools

• Tool boxes. I use the Rigid as they stack, lock, and have an air tight seal
• Mechanic Tool Set. Spend the money on a good set.
• ½ inch socket extension bar. For when it’s really stuck. Add mallet
• Ratcheting wrenches. I also have a shorty set
• Metal files – flat, curved, round
• Wood file
• Nut driver for hose clamps (5/16, 1/4) (also in most mechanic sets)
• Ball Peen Hammer
• Swivel Oil filter wrench. Size for each filter . Or rubber strap wrench
• Automatic wire strippers
• Ancor ratcheting crimper
• Ancor crimp set (heat shrink) If non-heat shrink add heat shrink tubbing
• Flush cut wire cutter (for cable ties)
• Head Lamp
• Dental pick
• Telescoping mirror
• Telescoping magnet
• Right angle mini ratcheting screwdriver
• Heat gun
• Magnetic parts tray
• LED work light
• Micrometer
• Pipe wrench
• Very-big crescent wrench
• Collapsible silicon funnel
• Locking Pliers Small / Large
• Ratcheting hose cutter
• Cutting oil
• Permatex anti-seize
• Center punch
• Clamp on amp meter AC / DC
• Hose hook
• Handheld butane torch
• Corrosion inhibitor (Boeshield, CRC)
• Butyl tape and Super Lube
• Sand paper various grits
• Organic Vapor Respirator half mask
• Stainless steel wire
• Heat shrink tubing various sizes. Red / Black / Clear
• Copper wire brush
• Long handle forceps
• Feeler gauge
• Torque Wrench
• Dremel with grinding bits, cutoff wheels, carbide rotary bits
• Impellor Puller
• Coveralls  (Aramark cheap and get your boat name embordered)
• Nitrile heavy duty disposable gloves
• Snap ring pliers
• Collapsible bucket
• 5 Gallon paint bucket with snap on sealable lid with pop out pour spot. 

Nice to have but, not required

• Large wire cutter (4/0)
• FTZ Heavy Duty Ratcheting Lug Crimper (p/n 94285)
• Plastic straight edge razor
• Fish Tape
• Label Maker
• Endoscope
• Wood moisture meter
• Multi-tool
• Shop-vac with HEPA filter (Festool)
• Left handed drill bits / screw extractor
• Hole saw kit