27 Important Tools for Boaters. Our Captain’s Favorite Toys.
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What important tools for boaters are in your cabinet aboard? Which ones will you really need? Our experienced captain is happy to help with this guide.
We have used every single one of these tools, some quite a few times, while living on a sailboat (two of them, actually).
It is hard to take my husband out of any marine, or home-improvement store. And he never asks for help – goodness, just ask someone, so we can go home already!
Check out our Boat Gear Page, for all the things we need and want aboard – essentials, safety, galley, everyday life.
Why listen to our captain?
He fixed and/or replaced major parts and systems aboard our two boats – navigation, plumbing, solar, electric, bottom paint, fiberglass work, running rigging and more.
Combine that with over 17 years of facility management experience, an architecture degree, and more repairs of our various fixer-uppers houses.
For my kind of tools, you will want to read the Galley Tools post:
25 Galley Gear Essentials (We Used All the Time).
Important tools for boaters
Our captain is truly able to fix anything and loves having the right tools. I just hope he was skilled at exiting those darn marine and home improvement stores faster…
1. Cordless Power Tool Set
We have used this entire set more times than I can count.
Ideally, it should have at least two rechargeable batteries. Battery charging time was always “Charge your devices!” time aboard, because you do need to run the inverter for charging.
Pick a model, which also offers a hand-held vacuum cleaner (featured below), so you can use it with the same batteries.
2. Cordless vacuum cleaner 18V
Purchase a cordless vacuum cleaner, which must use the same batteries as the cordless power tools.
Hint, hint – the vacuum cleaner and a spare battery can be an excellent gift.
Speaking of boating gifts, I have a great guide of great ideas for boaters:
51 Classic Gifts for Boaters (Cruisers Approved)
We had the vacuum cleaner I am linking to and used it all over the boat. We also purchased a set of longer attachments and a brush, to be able to reach corners.
Just make sure the attachments fit on the vacuum cleaner. I took mine to the store to check.
It is a powerful vacuum cleaner. I loved it and took it with me when we sold the boat.
3. LED Headlight
Rechargeable LED Headlamp, 100000 Lumens Super Bright
Chances are, you already have at least one such headlight aboard.
One is not enough.
I think we had four and everyone used one for various purposes.
In fact, I think we requested headlights as Christmas gifts, because we never seemed to be able to find one just when we needed it.
Headlights with the extra strap over the head fit and stay better, especially, when moving around tight spaces, like the engine room.
4. Multi-tool
Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool
A few things were off limits to the kids aboard. One was the multi-tool. I had a simple one and it lived in a special place where I could always find it.
Now, the captain, on the other hand, had a more elaborate and useful multi-tool, which he also used quite frequently. He was not as protective of his, because we also had lots of other tools aboard.
And because he is not as type A as I am.
The bottom line – there must be a multi-tool aboard for a smooth cruising. For smooth living, there should be one for her as well.
5. Bosun’s chair
If your boat has a mast, you must have a bosun’s chair. It is that simple.
We have tried going up the mast in a climbing harness, and it is doable, but a harness is terribly uncomfortable for longer projects.
Needless to say, a safe and reliable bosun’s chair must be of high quality, with plenty of pockets.
Speaking of safety, here is a must-read post:
12 Safety Gear Essentials for the High Seas.
A tip – always bring up a small bag tied to a long, thin line, for sending tools and parts back and forth. Here are some great boating bags:
19 Best Boating Bags. Tips How to Use Them.
Our boat came with a great bosun’s chair and, ah, so comfortable, so I cannot recommend anything different:
6. Climbing gear
In addition to our Bosun’s chair, we also had a set of climbing gear, with lines and a harness.
We used that sometimes, for shorter projects, so it came in handy.
The kids mostly used the reliable harness for a swing, to be perfectly honest. But we liked having a back-up option.
A bonus – you can bring the climbing gear ashore, and use there as well. Our climbing supplies came from Joe’s favorite shop, where he worked as a teen – REI.
The harness I am recommending is a mast harness from West Marine.
7. Magic syphon hose
Siphon Pro 8′ Jiggler Shaker Hose
If you do not like the taste of diesel, or gasoline, you need one of those syphoning hoses.
They work by means of valve at one end, a patented design, making transferring of fuel from jerry cans easy and spill-free.
We had one (or maybe two) aboard. As the boat uses diesel, while the dinghy works with gasoline, two hoses would be ideal.
Make that three, because boaters often find themselves transferring water as well. Every boat needs these – so useful and inexpensive.
8. Combination tool kit – Metric and Standard (SAE)
Stalwart 40-Piece Ratcheting Wrench Set
Unless the boat is made in the US, and will only sail in US territories, you will end up needing a tool set for both Standard and Metric systems.
This tool kit will also be a very useful present for a boater, especially if the boat was made outside of the US.
Our Privilege catamaran was a French boat, and various captains had done various repairs. Some well-done, others – not so much.
Joe used both SAE and metric tools to repair and renovate various systems aboard.
Our tool set was a bit smaller than the one on the link below, but we had other parts purchased separately.
9. Tap and die set
When you find yourself needing to rethread someone else’s repairs, you will need one of these.
While not that glamorous, a Tap and Die Set is an extremely useful tool set for any boater, especially the ones owning a used boat (the majority of cruisers).
We were able to find a marine architect at a boat yard, who was kind enough to let us borrow his.
If you are lucky, as that guy was, the set is sold on sale at many European Lidl stores. We purchased ours, while visiting family in Bulgaria.
10. Set of bolt cutters
Heavy-Duty Medium Size Bolt Cutter 24″
This larger bolt cutter is one of those tools a boater simply must have aboard. I am not going into scary scenarios, but if the rigging must be cut quickly, you’d better have a large tool you can quickly use.
Here is a brief article explaining the need for a set of these.
Needless to say, this tool must be easily accessible, so keep it that way. Most boaters will probably have one aboard.
A few other essential items, while on the topic, are in these posts:
12 Safety Gear Essentials for the High Seas.
10 Most Reliable Sailing Life Jackets (Adults and Kids)
Bigger bolt cutters can cut smaller riggings, if wondering about the size.
11. Cable Lock
Python Adjustable Locking Cable
You would need these to make cable locks for the dinghy and the dinghy engine. The last thing you need is return from a shore hike and find your ride missing.
Make sure you buy the lock cables long enough to loop around the engine of the dinghy and around a dock beam. Or buy a couple.
Locking your bike is also a good idea, especially at grocery stores in Florida…
Joe, being keen on making things himself, bought stainless steel cables, clamps and padlocks, and made the locks. These, of course, ended up costing us more than buying a new one.
But they were better 🙂
Cable locks will make good gifts. Don’t worry, the boaters will find something to lock with them.
12. Small Screwdriver Set
SWATOM 8 in 1 Mini Screwdriver Set
We had this exact same tool set aboard our boat. It came in handy more times than I can count. We still have it.
I had my own mini screwdriver set, actually, a different color, won’t tell you which one. That way no one touched mine, and if the kids lost pieces, it would be from the captain’s set.
This tool will not only come handy for many projects aboard, but it is a great boat gifting idea – small, useful, no sizing required. If buying for more than one person, get different colors.
13. Fiberglass Boat Repair Kit
105-K Fiberglass Boat Repair Kit
For some smaller repairs, this would be a handy tool kit to have around.
There are always small cracks, chips and holes aboard. The gelcoat should be kept in good condition, because water can enter the hull and cause worse damage over time. It is easy to fix the problem, while still small.
14. Fiberglass angle grinder
18-Volt OCTANE Cordless Brushless 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder
Make sure you purchase the same brand angle grinder, as the cordless power tool, and the cordless vacuum, so you can use with the same batteries.
A hand-held angle grinder is what Joe used aboard for fiberglass repairs.
We have not used it that many times, but when we did, we saved money, otherwise it would have been a costly repair to delegate.
15. Reusable respirator
We had a really hard time finding one for boat repairs during Covid. Now they are back in stock everywhere. Specialty paint shops should have them as well.
For all boat projects requiring fiberglass grinding, gelcoat painting, or anything fume-producing – a good reusable respirator is always needed.
And as I am all about safety and health, I must link to my helpful post:
First Aid Kit Aboard – Supplies and Organization
While we had some fiberglass work in the Dominican Republic, the guys showed up in shorts and with next to no protection and worked that way too. It is a sad reality in many developing nations, which also offer cheap labor.
If we have the tools, Joe will be the one doing the repairs.
If repairs are done, protective gear is on. As a nurse, I fully stand behind this and am absolutely infuriated when one of my crew wants to fix something quickly – no time to put on goggles, or at least a simple disposable respirator.
The great thing about this initially costly respirator, is that it is reusable. Just make sure you select the correct size.
Click HERE for a heavy duty one, if needed.
16. Safety Goggles
Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggle
Safety goggles are a no-brainer for any boat project. There are no washing stations aboard and even though we do have fresh water available, why create problems that can be avoided easily?
Make sure you select the children’s sizes, for helpful kids aboard.
Click HERE to view for children
17. Hazmat Suit
We all have had our fair share of boat paint on shorts and shirts. Once there, it will stay. So, avoid giving the boat mama headaches, and buy a few of those suits.
While on the labor-safety topic – a hazmat suit will protect the skin (and clothes) when fiberglass or painting projects are underway.
18. Sail repair kit
If you have no other sail-repair tools and supplies, at least have one of these aboard.
We had tools and materials to quickly fix a tear in a sail, but we received one of these kits as a gift and did use parts of it for some projects.
An excellent gift for any sailor, and everything comes in a bag, where they can store more sails-related items.
Otherwise, they all end up somewhere in my galley!
Below, I am linking to two kits. The first one is what we had aboard. However, we never used everything in it, so I also suggesting a more basic kit. I think either is a valuable tool to have aboard.
We must be self-sufficient on the water, so, yes, we turn into seamstresses, chefs, mechanics and teachers, when necessary.
Click HERE to view a simpler set
19. Rope Splicing Kit
It is one of my boating regrets (along with never gaining the courage to cross the Pacific). I never learned how to splice a rope. I was good at picking up pieces and cleaning up after the crew though.
Joe used these all the time, as he changed almost all of the running rigging aboard. But splicing a rope can be a useful skill for many other land projects and crafts.
Add a manual. YouTube is always available as well.
You will need both the Splicing kit and the Fids Set to complete a splicing project.
Click HERE to view the Splicing Kit
Click HERE to view the Splicing Fids Set
21. Winch Handle
HARKEN Premium Sailing Carbo One-Touch Winch Handle
What if the boat came with a winch handle?
They all do.
But one is not enough, and what they have aboard might not be of great quality. Plus, one (winch handle) can always end up overboard.
A good winch handle will make a difference aboard. That is one of those boating areas where you should not cut corners.
Here is another such no-cutting-corners zone:
10 Most Reliable Sailing Life Jackets (Adults and Kids)
We had four winch handles aboard, and we mostly used one. I loved the one-touch feature on ours, so I am recommending a Harken, which has that. It made taking the handle in and out a very smooth and quick process.
A winch handle is like a key – you should always have at least one spare set.
22. Sailing gloves
MRX BOXING & FITNESS Sailing Gloves
If you plan to handle the lines more than once, you will need a pair of these. Not to mention avoiding rope burn!
The lines are not an easy task. Once the kids grew older and stronger, I completely abandoned that duty. But I love the gloves anyway.
For more boat-friendly attire, check out my posts:
Comfortable Sailing Shoes for Every Boating Need
9 Sailing Outfits for any Season and Reason
I would not use regular exercise gloves. They often are not sturdy enough and the silicone will not last long at all.
23. Carabiners
Carabiners are helpful for a million tasks aboard.
Climbing the mast, hanging bags and gear, attaching shade panels, hanging personal belongings, school supplies, etc.
Here an article about selecting the right kind.
For best use, plan to have a variety of sizes and shapes. We had many aboard, and they came from various stores – from REI to Walmart (depending on the project).
* I am not an affiliate for REI (yet), but there are a few items, which I have used and tested long enough that I would not give something else a chance 🙂
24. Zip ties
Like the carabiners, zip ties are used everywhere aboard. They are strong and cheap.
We had various sizes, and so many abandoned cables from old boat projects, that we really used the cable ties as they were intended. But, also, for many other activities.
You should have a few large ones like these.
As well as a variety of smaller ones.
25. Silica Bags
100 GRAM SILICA GEL DESICCANT PACKS
These are needed in any box and boating bag, where tools and gadgets reside.
Especially useful for electronic gadgets. And here is a post about the gadgets:
Electronics do not do well in a humid environment, so make sure they are well protected and kept as dry as possible.
Here are some simpler ones for less crucial items.
26. Tool bag
WORKPRO 16-inch Wide Mouth Tool Bag
We had a tool bag in one of the outside lockers, for easy access to some more common tools. We also had a larger bag of large and less frequently used tools tucked away in one of the forward lockers.
Tool bags can be used instead of cabinets aboard. There is only so much space for tools aboard.
Tool bags can be great for kids aboard too – to help them organize toys and supplies.
Any bag will do, ideally avoid metal zippers, because the salt water will destroy them. We kept ours open at all times, so you would have access to everything, once you opened the locker (which doubled as a seat in the cockpit).
27. Fuel Pump 12V Electric
CarBole 12D Micro Electric Diesel Fuel Pump
Joe dictated the next paragraph, so I won’t elaborate. He wanted one, ordered it, used it aboard, so it must be useful.
“The diesel fuel pump is very handy to prime the engines. It can be hooked up to the secondary fuel filter to polish the tanks, if you end up having bad fuel.”
We had a different brand than the link below, so research more if you wish, but the type is the same:
Useful tips for selecting boating tools
This is one of my favorite guides, because having the right tools and skills aboard can save you hundreds (make that thousands, in the US) of dollars.
Here are a few tips about buying boating tools:
- All power tools should be the same brand, using the same batteries.
- Batteries for the power tools themselves can make great gifts.
- Always select marine grade stainless steel, if available.
- If cases have zippers, they should not be metal.
- Many land tools are perfectly fine aboard, no need to purchase “marine”.
Would you like to be featured in this article?
Send me your suggestion of a great tool for boaters and I can include it in here, to make this list even more helpful!
Check out our Boat Gear Page, for all the things we need and want aboard – essentials, safety, galley, everyday life.
More Essential Boat Gear
What is a PFD? Easy Guide and Common Questions.
12 Safety Gear Essentials for the High Seas.
10 Most Reliable Sailing Life Jackets (Adults and Kids)
Great list! This reminds me of a sign I saw posted in a yacht club.
“The three most useless things on a yacht: a cow, a wheelbarrow, and a naval officer.”
(I was a Coast Guard officer at the time, so I didn’t mind.)
Agree! I am not sure I would be able to handle any of these, especially another CEO…