We're about to close on a Hunter 44. Dual a/c's, bow thruster, 56 hp Yanmar. Can someone suggest a fairly comprehensive TOOL KIT we can keep on board?
Tool set
- Thread starter Richandhelen
- Start date
generic tool kit from your favorite supplier. I put together some older craftsman stuff from my home set up to keep on the boat, and a variety of decent hand tools. I even put tethers on some of the gear that I used top sides. Metric and standard sizes. You will find some specific to your boat needs, and you may want to pay a "good" mechanic for a couple of hours to go over your yanmar, trans and stuffing box. For sure, get one who knows YOUR Yanmar, so you are not paying him to learn your engine.
More important is a good meter, I use Fluke and a selection of spares for the Yanmar, fuel/oil filters, belts, injector, alternator, impellers, etc. Oil, ATF, funnels and cleanup stuff.
I used one of the "rust prevent" plastic ammo box toolboxes with a top tray that fit next to the Nav station to be close at hand.
Best of luck and enjoy the new boat.
More important is a good meter, I use Fluke and a selection of spares for the Yanmar, fuel/oil filters, belts, injector, alternator, impellers, etc. Oil, ATF, funnels and cleanup stuff.
I used one of the "rust prevent" plastic ammo box toolboxes with a top tray that fit next to the Nav station to be close at hand.
Best of luck and enjoy the new boat.
You will need both SAE and Metric tools. Good tools seem to rust just as fast cheap on a boat. I bought an inexpensive socket set and a set of wrenches both SAE and Metric to add to the pliers screw drivers and channel locks I already had. After that I bought special tools as the job required. The list can be daunting with oil changing pumps, oil filter wrench, sink wrench, multimeter, swage tool, wire stripper, crimping tool....the list is endless.
I put together a tool kit with generic screwdrivers, pliers, metric and standard allen wrenches,Lowes had a sale on metric and standard Kobalt sockets in little boxes and standard and metric wrenches, Cutters, knives, tape, voltmeter,and anything else that will fit in the bag. We also have worked up a pretty good spares kit of filters, clamps, screws and washers, impellers etc. One compartment full of stuff. Has come in handy from time to time.
Quality tools, and only the ones you need. always fun to search through needless tools when you have a task at hand.
Congrats on the new boat. We've enjoyed our H44 over the years. She is a great boat. Stable comfortable and sails well. I have a generic tool set from Home Depot that includes socket sets and comes with some open end wrenches and hammer etc. it has metric sizes as well. I'm sure you've seen a similar kit around. Comes in a plastic case. In addition I have a canvas tool bag with a good assortment of screwdrivers, small pipe wrench, Allen wrench set, pliers, wire stripper and digital volt/ohm meter. Small hack saw sometimes comes in handy. I also have a container store case with compartments for various size screw, hose clamps and various misc hardware. Let me know if you have any specific questions about the H44
get all the hand tools as suggested, but use something like a hefty or rubbermaid tote bin to keep the tools in... no matter what tool you want, its going to be at the bottom, but getting to the bottom of a tote is better than digging in a tool bag.... in addition to using a tote, almost everything will fit into it, with the lid on, and if you buy several of the same kind and size, they will stack/store about as neatly as possible. (and you eventually WILL be using totes to solve some of the storage issues you will encounter)
and then, when you get the hand tools gathered up (NOT harborfreight tools), something like cobalt or husky is fair quality with a good warranty policy, then get yourself a good battery operated drill, small bits and a small grinder to keep on board....
then start gathering stainless screws, bolts, nuts, washers, finish washers and other associated hardware... and spare parts.
soon you will have a boat load of good usable tools, a quantity of hardware and supplies.... but wont be able to find what you need when you need it most
and then, when you get the hand tools gathered up (NOT harborfreight tools), something like cobalt or husky is fair quality with a good warranty policy, then get yourself a good battery operated drill, small bits and a small grinder to keep on board....
then start gathering stainless screws, bolts, nuts, washers, finish washers and other associated hardware... and spare parts.
soon you will have a boat load of good usable tools, a quantity of hardware and supplies.... but wont be able to find what you need when you need it most
I'm not real big on buying tool sets, I usually pick thing up at swap meets and garage sales. I spend half my time looking for the tool I need when I need it. I was stoked when I was able to pick this set up at a Lost Freight store. The guy wanted $20 for it so I docketed him down to $15 because the measuring tape was missing. The set is other wise complete with screw bits, torque bits, and Allen bits. The thing I like about this is I don't have to search for tools anymore. When I put them away I know what is missing and needs to be replaced. I've had it for a year and use it all the time. The quality is pretty good. It has a tray and good size compartment for specialty tools you might need.
BTW JC Whitney has the same set for $33.
http://www.amazonsupply.com/allied-tools-69099-160-piece-rolling/dp/B001NPDR4W
BTW JC Whitney has the same set for $33.
http://www.amazonsupply.com/allied-tools-69099-160-piece-rolling/dp/B001NPDR4W