Rib Toolkit Recommendations

Bjohnson · 31 July 2020, 10:34

Any recommendations for a compact toolkit to add to the Rib?

I had a selection of tools in my waterproof boat box that i kept on the boat, but its been lost (not at sea!) somewhere between winter storage and being back at the boat yard.

I'd assembled a variety of tools from my home toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, allen keys, cable ties etc) to keep in the waterproof box and a bit annoyed I've lost it somewhere.

Cant seem to see any 'ready made' basic tool kits available to buy online, so that suggests probably need to assemble a replacement 'kit of parts' again.

Any recommendations greatly received though.

paintman · 31 July 2020, 11:48

I carry a small amount of tools on the boat & these tend - like you - to be stuff that gets regular on-boat use.
When going boating I put a much bigger toolkit in the car, stuff I've built up over the past 50 odd years working on our own cars.

Be worth having a look at Halfords - much of my kit is Facom bought years ago - but TBH I find the Halford's Professional range to be excellent.
Something like this - perhaps add a plug socket & a screwdriver of the multiple interchangable bits type- would cover pretty much all my onboard needs.
https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-...et-166952.html

My most used tool esp for the pliers is my original Leatherman!

Pikey Dave · 31 July 2020, 12:41

I carry the minimum on the boat. You aren’t going to be carrying out major repairs at sea. WD40 or similar, couple of screwdrivers, pair of pliers, small adjustable spanner, Clam-cleat, spare fuses. If I’m away from home on a long trip, I take along a more comprehensive toolkit & keep it in the van. But this covers boat/trailer/van.

jeffstevens763@g · 31 July 2020, 14:53

this is mine

Lee argyle · 31 July 2020, 15:12

+ A handful of assorted cable ties, roll of gaffer tape and a good knife ��

Fenlander · 31 July 2020, 19:56

I carry what I regard as a minimum for "on the beach" repairs and the tools are specific to my engine/setup. For example tools to change the prop or remove and dismantle the carb.

It lives in a sandwich box and the contents are as below...

Bjohnson · 31 July 2020, 20:36

Thanks, useful to see what others do. Looks like i need to assemble a home made kit again.

As a previous reply noted, doesn’t need to be too extensive. I only realised my boat box was missing when on my first outing of the year i crashed through some reasonable size breakers and the engine died. Turned out the boat yard hadn’t tightened the battery clamps when they put the battery back on after the winter!

it was a quick, Hand tight fix to get the motor running and come back in, but made me realise a few essential tools are needed.

spartacus · 31 July 2020, 23:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I carry the minimum on the boat. You aren’t going to be carrying out major repairs at sea.

+1

Agree with earlier comment about Halford Professional tools too, also come with lifetime warranty, but too good for on the boat. I'm currently trying to ditch weight!

I use a small Draper socket set that has 1/2" drive and spark plug socket. I carry spare spark plugs, dry rag, copper wire brush, insulating tape, Draper large claw grips (used before to unbend a prop blade), large flat-head screwdriver (handy if you need to bypass the power trim) and access the quick release valve to drop the outboard leg, fuses, life jacket cylinders, spare killcord lanyard, engine key, bicycle multi-tool, zip-ties and a couple of knifes. Sounds a lot but takes up very little space.

If it gets more complicated than that, I drop the auxilliary and head in. I've changed spark plugs at sea in a F6 and it's no fun.

Salty Pete · 01 August 2020, 06:25

When I had a large boat with an inboard engine I carried a toolbox on board.

Now I have a RIB with an outboard, I can't imagine doing repairs on an outboard at sea.

So, I carry a radio and log into sea rescue.

I also carry a phone if battery power is a problem and I have Sea Rescue entered as a contact.

I also carry a GPS EPIRB should either of those fail and the Sea Rescue doesn't come to my aid if I am overdue.

I also service my own engine because according to Sea Rescue, a lot of engine fail after servicing, which leads me to the conclusion that mechanics don't care because they are not the ones stuck at sea when they don't do their job properly.

Bjohnson · 03 August 2020, 09:57

Thanks for the replies, all very helpful.

Paintman, your link to Halfords didnt work, but that was a perfect shout, found a small toolkit for £20 with adjustable wrench, 3/8 driver with bits and extension which will be just the job and that i can leave on board

I agree with points above, this isnt for major repair or servicing out at sea (!). Any major issues and i'll be calling on friends/sea start to assist. I prefer some peace of mind in having some basic tools left on board in case there is a need.

Just need to rebuild my basic toolkit, to include a few tie wraps, duct tape, spare fuses, some rope/string, pliers, and a decent knife/multitool (in case of prop wrap).

Oh, and toilet roll in a waterproof bag

A1an · 03 August 2020, 19:51

Anyone carry one of the Barton Clamseal things?

jeffstevens763@g · 03 August 2020, 19:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1an

Anyone carry one of the Barton Clamseal things?

Make a bigger hole so you can fit the clam na sooner use tear aid

Pikey Dave · 04 August 2020, 08:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1an

Anyone carry one of the Barton Clamseal things?

Yup, never used it, hope I don’t have to[emoji849]

Livid · 04 August 2020, 09:12

There's a wera bicycle toolkit that's most of the sockets you need for basic engine stuff (up to 15mm) and all the screwdrivers you'll ever want for 65 quid, I've just picked one up as I always need to fiddle with the engine on mine. i also almost always carry my leatherman aboard, as well as loads of cable ties. I'm after a wire brush and some electrical tape too