For those who have boats, when was your last inventory of your boat’s toolbox and spare parts. Many of you haven’t looked in the box or compartment since you last found yourself in trouble. You won’t repeat that mistake. This is an important task that must be done often before you can get on the ramp.
Here’s a list of what we keep on hand. While a few of these items may be surprising to you, you will find yourself less surprised when an unexpected item comes in handy. When spring finally arrives, don’t forget to stock up on the essentials. For now, we’ll limit it to hardware. But keep an eye on the upcoming article for helpful and mandatory safety and first aid items that you should keep in your watercraft. You can buy all these boat parts from PartsVu at affordable prices.
PARTS
Boat Plug
Is a boat a boat without a plug? With water coming in at the stern, it won’t be able to stay floating for very long. This is usually the missing piece that gets noticed at the launch. But what if you drive for a while and your plugs don’t make it? Worse, what if your external plug is ripped when you bump into a log? It can be a pain to need to make one right away.
Fuses
This may seem like a simple task, but you have often given fuses to other anglers who were in dire need of one. Take a moment to read through manuals in the off-season and learn about the different fuse sizes and styles for your engine and electronics. Most items with an electric start, such as radios, sonar, GPS, and bilge pumps require at least one fuse. You may need several different types depending on the type of ride you have.
Extra Kill switch
A functioning kill switch is essential for boat engines to start. You should have always an extra in your boat. It can prevent your perfectly functioning boat from being completely dead in water.
A spare bilge pump
You must have a backup plan to pump water from your bilge into your live well. A small, pump that is functional with the use of batteries or one that you can connect to your boat’s battery is better. This will save you whether you’re trying to keep fish alive in a broken well or if you need to keep your boat floating in an emergency. The hose supplied is often not long enough to reach the bilge and the sides of your boat.
TOOLS
Crimper/Stripper Pliers
Connections can weaken, corrode or become completely loose over time. A pair of stripper/crimpers can be used to expose copper and create a connection in situations where space is tight.
Allen Wrenches
These are used on electrical panels and hubs. A compact Allen key set can be included in your toolkit. You can purchase all types of tools like allen wrenches and many more as well as high quality boat parts from PartsVu.
Multi Screw driver
Boats are often supplied parts by more than one manufacturer. It’s not unusual to require a driver head other than a Torx, square, or micro Philips. A multi-screwdriver is a great tool that can be used with just a few bits. A extension adapter is also useful for reaching difficult-to reach areas.
Multimeter
This is an item that most boaters don’t have or think they will need. It’s actually the first thing a qualified boat mechanic will reach to fix an electrical problem. Although you don’t have to be an electrician to use it, it will help you determine which wires are powered and how much amperage they have. A meter is less than $10, and the information it gives you can help you to get a diagnosis by phone.
Sockets
Sockets will allow you to tighten bolts from the smallest on electronics up to the larger ones on motor mounts. A 3/8-inch drive is ideal for tightening up when space is an issue. Standard sockets are best, but it is a good idea to have a minimum of one 10 mm socket. Most boats will always require it. For foreign outboards, metric sockets are most commonly required. An extender attachment is a good tool for working in tight places.
FASTENERS
Silicone rescue tape
This stuff is called “rescue tape” as it can legally save your ass. It doesn’t have a sticky adhesive, so rescue tape sticks to itself. Silicone tape is great for repairing minor to major leaks on hoses and lines. This tape is ideal for areas where electrical or duct tape can be damaged by moisture.
Zip Ties
Marking or securing a group of wires A method of tying down a loose depth-sounder. Temporarily holding the fishing rod guide in its place. These situations will be easier with zip ties than tape. You should have a variety of lengths, thicknesses, and materials.
Bolts and Nuts
Take a look at your rig to find the most common factory fasteners. You will be covered in most situations with a few 1/4-20 stainless bolts of various lengths and 7/16 Nyloc nut. However, you should also pay attention to any special sizes at the transom. You can save a piece of equipment by having spare hardware.
Electrical Fittings
A small medicine bottle with a variety of sizes of butt connectors and splices can make it easy to go from completely functional to dead in water in just 15 minutes. Make sure you have the right size fittings for your cranking battery and distribution panel. This is also true for butt splices.
Bailing wire
Sometimes, you will need a stronger jerry-rig fastener that tape can offer. This wire will prevent your rig from slipping in choppy waters or falling apart during rowing. These connections can be made more secure by twisting the ends of the tag with heavy pliers.
Hence, finding and purchasing all these boat parts seems nerve-wracking but you can shop all of these and many more tools, fasteners and boat parts from PartsVu without any hassle.
