Tools

[Reckless]

  I have been wondering what kind of tools you guys keep on your boats?

  Also for the folks that have there boat in a slip. Do you flush your motor  with fresh water?

Thanks

[IrishAyes]

I have a tool kit from one of the name brand boat stores (now West Marine)  Consists of a socket set and wrench set.  Fortunately, I haven't had the need for it while at sea.  I have used it at the dock for maintainance and repairs. 

With my old motor (1994 Yamaha 2-stroke) the only time it got flushed was when it got winterized.  No fitting to make it easy while in the water, needed the muffs.  With the new motor, it gets flushed after every trip.   The old motor lasted for 13 years, had over 1500 hours on it, and was still running well.

[Luna Sea 5]

your cell phone is the most important tool... Its not easy fixing anything if your stuck out on the water.

[Still Running]

Cell phone, rope and VHF. Most guys out there will pull you in.

[Duffman]

Socket set
Ratchet
2 extensions
Needle nose
Vise Grips
Oil filter and water seperating filter
Filter wrench
Spare plugs

   Last and certainly not least, I CAN NOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH ----  DUCT TAPE!!

  You wont believe how many jams it can bail you out of.

[wb]

I CAN NOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH ----  DUCT TAPE!!

  You wont believe how many jams it can bail you out of.

Yep- if it's tight, hit it with a hammer, if it's loose, use the duct tape. Everything else can't be fixed....

No, seriously, tools depends on whatcha got, an i/o or inboard will usually require some standard (inch) tools, Outboards are typically metric. Think multi purpose- adjustable wrenches, vise grips, pliers, zipties can bail you out of many jams, sometimes a multimeter is invaluable for troubleshooting if you're electrically-inclined. Universal (swivel) adapters and extensions if you bring a socket set. Don't forget flat and phillips screwdrivers, maybe even some right-sized cork/plugs to save your butt if a thru hull fitting breaks off. Hose clamps in various sizes.... Rags....WD-40 or CRC... Oh yeah-- the hammer.

Keep up on the maintenance and attend to the minor things in a timely manner. Much better chance you won't need your tools.

Difficult to flush an outboard in a slip....

[mboy]

[/quote]

Difficult to flush an outboard in a slip....

[/quote]

Actually, pretty easy for me with a quick flush adapter for my Johnson

[wb]

Actually, pretty easy for me with a quick flush adapter for my Johnson

Not so easy w/the Yammy 2stroke. Need flush muffs, motor tilted up, just not a good situation. Maybe I can find a QF adapter for it-- always flush the skis with the garden hose after every use...

[mboy]

I tilt mine up and pop the hose on and flush her for like 5mn.

[Reckless]

 Thanks for all the replies. I think my Yamaha has a hook up for a hose to back flush it. Will have to check manual again. My 1992 evinrude I put a adapter on the pee hole so I could hook a hose up to it.
   You guys ever spray down your connections with WD 40 or similar type sprays?

[Luna Sea 5]

I tilt mine up and pop the hose on and flush her for like 5mn.

same with me

[Hunter 2]

You should always carry an assortment of tools to tighten fittings  or do minor repairs. I think the list has been covered above.

[mboy]

I have a kit I picked up at west marine. Basics like screw drivers, elec tester light, socket wrench, etc.

I also carry spare racors, plugs, electrical tape, duct tape, fuses and this year a prop wrench for my new SS prop.

[Duffman]

Get yourself a can of "Corrosion Block" at West Marine.  Silver/blue can with green lettering.  The stuff is amazing.  Comes out of the can as a green foam. Give all your electrical contacts a shot. The foam leaves a thin film that will keep corrosion off the connectors and from wicking up the wires.
  A little goes a long way, dont over do it.  I bought a can 8 years ago and its still half full.  Use it once a year and its all you need.