On-Board Toolkit

[Ron]

I recently purchased a new C320 (#831). One thing missing from the boat manuals provided by Catalina is a good comprehensive list of essential tools to have on-board to handle routine maintenance chores, and perhaps minor repairs.So, I ask the forum of C320 owners to comment on what specific tools (type, size, etc.) such a toolkit should consist of, and for what function(s) each tool is carried on-board (e.g., "adjust standing rigging tension", "changing oil filter", etc.). Your "trial & error" experiences will be very helpful.Further, I think this sort of list, once complied, would be a useful addendum "link" to each boat's specifications page on this site. Comments?Thanks, RonS/V "Lady Jane", Marblehead, MA

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Dremel

Besides the basics, the most used tool I have aboard is my Dremel tool. I love it, it's so versatile. LaDonna

 

[Jon W.]

One Complication

This is an excellent idea. I think I know what you are talking about, But... due to the constant changes made by the factory in engines, equipment, and the boat itself throughout the production run, it would be nearly impossible to come up with a definitive list for any particular model. It maybe possible to make up some sort of list as a starting point, but all sizes of tools and such would have to be verified anyway.

 

[Ron]

Donna/Jon replies

Donna-- Thanks -- I'd never considered a Dremel tool. Could you comment on any specific uses (slicing, dicing, polishing, drilling, etc) and are they battery operated?Jon-- You're comment about changes during a production run is good. However, I would expect that the "basics" (as Donna called them) won't change appreciably.I'm at the point of trying to estimate what those "basics" are, for starters!--RonS/V "Lady Jane"

 

[Jon W.]

Follow-up

I think of basics as screw drivers, adjustable wrenches, pliers, allen head wrenches, and a Leatherman multitool.I guess my previous post was geared towards my wish of having on board the basic tools in only the correct sizes for the equipment on my boat. I don't want to carry complete socket sets, Allen head wrench sets, combination wrench sets, etc… in sizes I won't likely need. I have developed a basic tool kit by experience. When I have to bring a tool down to the boat to work on something, I ask myself if this tool is something that I would likely need often, or need when I am out and about and can't wait until I get back home for. If the answer is yes, then I leave it aboard. Things like scheduled engine maintenance tools, or project tools, I leave at home until needed. But then, I like to keep a very organized lightly loaded boat (unless I'm on a cruise).I keep meaning to do an inventory, and make up a list of the exact tools I have on board, and any that I haven't discovered yet, but I'm not that organized.

 

[Carl]

Leatherman Wave

I have a pretty stocked tool kit on board but the tool I use the most is the Leatherman Wave with accessory bits.It's the greatest!

 

[Bob Camarena]

Riggers Bag

Check out Harbor Freight Tools for their canvas riggers bag. It's the best for storing and carrying tools on board and it's cheap. Generally they're about $8+ but I've seen them on sale for around $6. They're very heavy canvas and as good or better than what you get from West Marine or other nautical sources. I have two on my boat, one for misc. tools and the other for rigging stuff (blocks, shackles, splicing tools, etc.)