Well, the reality approaches, and while I have a pretty well equipped
landside tools and spares selection ("Dad's hardware store"), I'm curious
what those who have done it would suggest.

It's a 46 foot ketch with a Perkins 4-154 and a Northern Lights 8kw genset,
both in the "mature hours" segment of their lives but surveyed as sound. It
has the usual assortment of electrical stuff which I hope to mostly keep
happy with ample solar and some wind generation plus more storage than is
currently (pardon the pun - about 440AH) available, as peace and quiet is
high on my list (vs running engines and gensets). Unfortunately to my
taste, a great deal of the electric stuff is 110, but it's got lots of
inverter capability, so the trick will be to keep power happening (see
solar, etc., peace and quiet, above).

The storage available is pretty good, so space isn't a particular challenge,
though, of course, every boat has a limit. For at least the expected first
year, we'll be island hopping, working our way from Ft. Lauderdale or
equivalent to Trinidad or so, and back to our expected Saint Thomas base,
ETD/ETA Nov 04/05.

So, the question is, for a full-time cruising boat equipped as above, what
tools and spares would you bring along? Would you bring specialized tools
(such as some electronic diagnostic/reading stuff) or spares (ability to
rebuild stuff)? If they're not commonly available, I'd appreciate sources,
as well.

Thanks...

L8R

Skip and Lydia

--
"And then again, when you sit at the helm of your little ship on a clear
night, and gaze at the countless stars overhead, and realize that you are
quite alone on a great, wide sea, it is apt to occur to you that in the
general scheme of things you are merely an insignificant speck on the
surface of the ocean; and are not nearly so important or as self-sufficient
as you thought you were. Which is an exceedingly wholesome thought, and one
that may effect a permanent change in your deportment that will be greatly
appreciated by your friends."- James S. Pitkin

"Skip Gundlach" wrote in
message ink.net...
Well, the reality approaches, and while I have a pretty well equipped
landside tools and spares selection ("Dad's hardware store"), I'm curious
what those who have done it would suggest.

Skip-

We had 2 6cyl Perkins' as generators on the yacht I lived on (mains were GM
12-71T's). I learned to keep a 10mm open-end wrench handy at all times;
when air gets in the injection system (and I haven't a clue how it does, but
it definitely does), crack the fuel line to the #1 injector with the wrench
while cranking the engine. Works everytime. If I think of anything else
I'll let you know.

Wendy

"Skip Gundlach" wrote in
message ink.net...
Well, the reality approaches, and while I have a pretty well equipped
landside tools and spares selection ("Dad's hardware store"), I'm curious
what those who have done it would suggest.

Skip-

We had 2 6cyl Perkins' as generators on the yacht I lived on (mains were GM
12-71T's). I learned to keep a 10mm open-end wrench handy at all times;
when air gets in the injection system (and I haven't a clue how it does, but
it definitely does), crack the fuel line to the #1 injector with the wrench
while cranking the engine. Works everytime. If I think of anything else
I'll let you know.

Wendy

x-no-archive:yes "Skip Gundlach"
wrote:

Well, the reality approaches, and while I have a pretty well equipped
landside tools and spares selection ("Dad's hardware store"), I'm curious
what those who have done it would suggest.

This is what was written on the subject on the CSY list about 3 years
ago. This guy also had a 4-154 before he repowered.

The tools are
separated by type and usage. The commonly used tools are stored in a ready
service canvas tool bag fitted with pouches and pockets, this takes care of
the vast majority of the day to day projects. We also have 5 large plastic
tool boxes, arranged by usage: wood working, electrical, mechanical, power
tools, and plumbing/refrigeration. For instance, the canvas bag has a 3/8
and 1/4 inch drive socket sets, while the mechanical box has the 1/2 inch
drive set and gear puller. The canvas bag will have 1/4 and 3/4 inch wood
chisels, while the lesser used tools like planes and C clamps are in the wood
working plastic box. The canvas bag will have a few solderless crimp
connectors, electrical tape and sidecutters, while the soldering irons and
the Fluke multimeter are in the electrical plastic box. Many power tools
come with their own individual plastic cases that take up a lot of space. We
stow the power tools in a single large plastic crate. All the various
attachments, cutting heads, and blades are stored in the power tool plastic
box. Periodically I have to sort out the canvas tool bag as tools seem to
have a way of migrating to it, and the bag gets heavier and heavier. We also
have a large canvas ice bag with emergency damage control items (hack saw, 2
pound hammer, rigging wire cutters, wood plugs, hose clamps, rags, and lots
of other stuff) to rapidly respond to a serious situation.



grandma Rosalie

x-no-archive:yes "Skip Gundlach"
wrote:

Well, the reality approaches, and while I have a pretty well equipped
landside tools and spares selection ("Dad's hardware store"), I'm curious
what those who have done it would suggest.

This is what was written on the subject on the CSY list about 3 years
ago. This guy also had a 4-154 before he repowered.

The tools are
separated by type and usage. The commonly used tools are stored in a ready
service canvas tool bag fitted with pouches and pockets, this takes care of
the vast majority of the day to day projects. We also have 5 large plastic
tool boxes, arranged by usage: wood working, electrical, mechanical, power
tools, and plumbing/refrigeration. For instance, the canvas bag has a 3/8
and 1/4 inch drive socket sets, while the mechanical box has the 1/2 inch
drive set and gear puller. The canvas bag will have 1/4 and 3/4 inch wood
chisels, while the lesser used tools like planes and C clamps are in the wood
working plastic box. The canvas bag will have a few solderless crimp
connectors, electrical tape and sidecutters, while the soldering irons and
the Fluke multimeter are in the electrical plastic box. Many power tools
come with their own individual plastic cases that take up a lot of space. We
stow the power tools in a single large plastic crate. All the various
attachments, cutting heads, and blades are stored in the power tool plastic
box. Periodically I have to sort out the canvas tool bag as tools seem to
have a way of migrating to it, and the bag gets heavier and heavier. We also
have a large canvas ice bag with emergency damage control items (hack saw, 2
pound hammer, rigging wire cutters, wood plugs, hose clamps, rags, and lots
of other stuff) to rapidly respond to a serious situation.



grandma Rosalie

On my previous boat I made a canvas 'rollup' pouch for the combination
wrenchs and a similar one for the screw drivers and pliers. Before I put the
tools into these pouches, I soaked the canvas in light oil.. The objective
being to prevent the canvas from absorbing any water or moisture..

Worked fine, even with the set of larger wrenches stored for a year or
longer without being opened..

I have been gathering a set of combinations (both metric and inch), sockets,
gasket punches, locking pliers, needle nose, dykes, lineman, channel locks,
various size cresents, C clamps, electrical tools, drill bit set to 1/2",
hole saw set, hack saw, screw drivers, nut drivers, drill motors to 1/2",
center and drift punches, torque wrench chisels, easy out set, tap and die
set and the list goes on.. Most of these tools I already have in my home
work shop, but rather than rob that collection, I went to Harbor Frieght and
purchased the better quality of their 'cheap' tool line..

As you can see, I'm a tool freak and don't leave home without them..

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

On my previous boat I made a canvas 'rollup' pouch for the combination
wrenchs and a similar one for the screw drivers and pliers. Before I put the
tools into these pouches, I soaked the canvas in light oil.. The objective
being to prevent the canvas from absorbing any water or moisture..

Worked fine, even with the set of larger wrenches stored for a year or
longer without being opened..

I have been gathering a set of combinations (both metric and inch), sockets,
gasket punches, locking pliers, needle nose, dykes, lineman, channel locks,
various size cresents, C clamps, electrical tools, drill bit set to 1/2",
hole saw set, hack saw, screw drivers, nut drivers, drill motors to 1/2",
center and drift punches, torque wrench chisels, easy out set, tap and die
set and the list goes on.. Most of these tools I already have in my home
work shop, but rather than rob that collection, I went to Harbor Frieght and
purchased the better quality of their 'cheap' tool line..

As you can see, I'm a tool freak and don't leave home without them..

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

Steve wrote:

On my previous boat I made a canvas 'rollup' pouch for the combination
wrenchs and a similar one for the screw drivers and pliers. Before I put the
tools into these pouches, I soaked the canvas in light oil.. The objective
being to prevent the canvas from absorbing any water or moisture..

Worked fine, even with the set of larger wrenches stored for a year or
longer without being opened..

I have been gathering a set of combinations (both metric and inch), sockets,
gasket punches, locking pliers, needle nose, dykes, lineman, channel locks,
various size cresents, C clamps, electrical tools, drill bit set to 1/2",
hole saw set, hack saw, screw drivers, nut drivers, drill motors to 1/2",
center and drift punches, torque wrench chisels, easy out set, tap and die
set and the list goes on.. Most of these tools I already have in my home
work shop, but rather than rob that collection, I went to Harbor Frieght and
purchased the better quality of their 'cheap' tool line..

As you can see, I'm a tool freak and don't leave home without them..

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

Get a set of magnetic trays for holding screws/nuts, etc. Cheap and worth every
penny. Also a couple of GOOD worklights.


--

Don't like the looks of nudists? Complain to the manufacturer.

Steve wrote:

On my previous boat I made a canvas 'rollup' pouch for the combination
wrenchs and a similar one for the screw drivers and pliers. Before I put the
tools into these pouches, I soaked the canvas in light oil.. The objective
being to prevent the canvas from absorbing any water or moisture..

Worked fine, even with the set of larger wrenches stored for a year or
longer without being opened..

I have been gathering a set of combinations (both metric and inch), sockets,
gasket punches, locking pliers, needle nose, dykes, lineman, channel locks,
various size cresents, C clamps, electrical tools, drill bit set to 1/2",
hole saw set, hack saw, screw drivers, nut drivers, drill motors to 1/2",
center and drift punches, torque wrench chisels, easy out set, tap and die
set and the list goes on.. Most of these tools I already have in my home
work shop, but rather than rob that collection, I went to Harbor Frieght and
purchased the better quality of their 'cheap' tool line..

As you can see, I'm a tool freak and don't leave home without them..

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

Get a set of magnetic trays for holding screws/nuts, etc. Cheap and worth every
penny. Also a couple of GOOD worklights.


--

Don't like the looks of nudists? Complain to the manufacturer.

In article ,
Rosalie B. wrote:

x-no-archive:yes "Skip Gundlach"
wrote:

Well, the reality approaches, and while I have a pretty well equipped
landside tools and spares selection ("Dad's hardware store"), I'm curious
what those who have done it would suggest.

This is what was written on the subject on the CSY list about 3 years
ago. This guy also had a 4-154 before he repowered.

The tools are
separated by type and usage. The commonly used tools are stored in a ready
service canvas tool bag fitted with pouches and pockets, this takes care of
the vast majority of the day to day projects.

I second the separation by type and usage, but have an even smaller
"first" kit: Right at the companionway is a small, bright red box with
the most common open-end wrenches, a 4-in-1 screwdriver, eyeglass kit,
rigging knife, chisel, adjustable wrench, Channel-Loks, allen wrenchs
and raw water impeller. Nearby is a Racor filter. That kit handles most
of the quick and emergency jobs. It's easy to tell anyone to hand me the
"x" in the red box in the top drawer; both Pat and I find it easy to
return those tools whenever they escape. The real tools are in other
kits stowed low in the center of the boat.

Oh: On our outboard's gas can is a dedicated kit + 2 prop pins & spark
plugs. Coulda used that kit a couple of times on charter.

There are probably hundreds of "spares" and "tools" lists, so I'll just
mention our odd ones.

A *neat* unusual tool I got is sort of a cross between a Stilson (I
think) adjustable wrench and a socket wrench. Two "V" shaped jaws in
line with the handle, one of them on an adjustable thumb screw. Will
open to about 2" and studs fit through the frame between the jaws. It
works surprisingly well, and outperformed sockets a couple of times
since the effort is in line, not offset -- particularly if I had to go
at it with a deep socket to clear a stud.

Though I have all sorts of sanders, the only one on the boat is a 5"
flexible spindle that chucks into the drill. Does a great semi-finish
job of sanding and doesn't gouge or scallop. (Sears has an inexpensive
version with a rubber mount; some high-end outfit makes one with a
universal joint.) Use it for buffing, too.

An amazing prop "puller": Brass "knob" that threads onto the shaft.
Smack it once or twice and the prop's free.

1/2" hand impact driver with screwdriver bits (at Sears or motorcycle
shop). Sometimes will extract screws with rounded-off slots. Don't
bother with special sockets, though. Get Craftsman or similar and trade
in the rare one that breaks.

All sockets should be 6 point. A 2-3 foot 3/8" socket extension can be
very useful when rebedding deck gear.

Sometimes a honkin big pipe wrench is just the ticket on an old boat --
but don't expect to use that part again.

We carry a "universal" "V" belt; the type that you cut to size. Haven't
had a belt break in 10 years, but a friend got home with ours once.

A cheap Radio Shack digital multimeter is far more useful than any
analog one. Get two and seal one against corrosion.

The manual slam-with-a-hammer crimping tool for big cables. Cable and
lugs aren't tough to find, but they aren't worth much if you can't
attach them properly.

Loos gauge, if one will work with your shrouds (not sure if they work
for rod). I check ours about monthly; indicated a problem that I found
was a dry-rotted compression post that I hadn't noticed until I looked
carefully. I marked the various tensions on the gauge to assist fallable
memory.

Squeeze-bulb siphon. I built ours so it can also be temporarily inserted
into the fuel line to help bleed down or diagnose the system. With the
fittings taken off, it sucked the junk out of the bottom of the tank.
Can also replace the outboard's fuel line.

Hand bilge pump. Ours empties the ice box, bilge, dink and so forth.
Handier than I expected. Fits in pretty much no space, but I wish I got
one with more than 2' of hose.

Spares, seldom used tools & all my electrical stuff go into metal ammo
boxes. Yes, the steel can rust, but they seal much better and are more
durable than anything else I've found. Don't forget something to lable
the boxes.

Personally, I go for small vs sexy: I love those fancy oil suckers, but
they're 10-20 times bigger than the brass hand pump that does the job in
10 minutes (with 20 minutes of clean-up ;-) Lust after a 1 gallon shop
vac, but a sponge and bucket gets it drier. Love the 174 piece
everything-in-its-place kits, but can put the 50 I actually use in a
10th of the space.

Re-evaluate your needs year or two into your trip: Any tools that you
don't use for a year or two probably aren't needed and can be sold or
bartered. Those Leatherman tools *sound* good, but ours stayed home one
Spring after a couple years' attempted use. Same with the standard
pliers and survival knife.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/