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I just bought a new Bayliner 212, 21' cuddy. What sort of tool kit should I carry on the boat? This is my first boat and I would appreciate any suggestions.
Welcome to THT. I'll start. Do yourself a favor & get Stainless Steel tools as much as possilble. Get started with the basics:screwdrivers, open end wrenches, a socket set, pliers, adjustable wrench to name a few. As you do maintenance, you'll see what you need and add more. I also recommend a kit with spare parts including: a couple of spark plugs, duct tape, electrical tape, crimp terminals, wire, a PL259 connector (for VHF), tapered wood plugs (for emergency leak plugging), a few different size of hose clamps.
I carry alot of alot of what elusive said for tools. Beside tools its a good idea to have some extra parts. I look for little parts that i think to my self that would suck if I didnt have an extra one of those on board.Heres a few, spark plugs,fuses,navigational bulbs,elecrtical parts,crimps,wire,electrical grease,wd40 ,prop wrench,starter fluid,plastic zip ties, a hand bilge pump. You get the idea,most of these things are fairly inexpensive but can be big help on the water.Good luck with the new ride.
Don't forget a spare cotter pin & wrench for the prop. If you visit the shallows often a spare prop may save your day! If it's an I.O. or a straight inboard a spare fan belt wont take up any storage room. Ed
First, you don't need to carry any tools you can't or don't know how to use. That said, if you're comfortable doing basic maintenance, you should assemble a nice kit with key spare parts (fuses, terminals, plugs, filters, clamps, prop nuts, etc.) Sears Craftsman has 2 decent marine kits in heavy nylon boags with rubber bottoms. I bought the smaller one of these as a starting point and added several items plus a digital voltmeter and test light. It's a nice bag and fits under my seat. And if they ever break, rust, whatever - you can get them replaced N/C. When they have a sale their kits are pretty reasonable.
First, you don't need to carry any tools you can't or don't know how to use. That said, if you're comfortable doing basic maintenance, you should assemble a nice kit with key spare parts (fuses, terminals, plugs, filters, clamps, prop nuts, etc.) Sears Craftsman has 2 decent marine kits in heavy nylon boags with rubber bottoms. I bought the smaller one of these as a starting point and added several items plus a digital voltmeter and test light. It's a nice bag and fits under my seat. And if they ever break, rust, whatever - you can get them replaced N/C. When they have a sale their kits are pretty reasonable.
Get a small mechanic's tool set at a department store, $20-50. This will get you through most of the jobs you might be tempted to try yourself. As you get familiar with your equipment you will realise that additional tools make the task easier. Example - prop-nut wrench,* spark-plug socket, wire cutter instead of the cutter on a pliers.
If you dont mind spending double, buy "Craftsman" tools from Sears*because they have a life-time*warranty against failure. Just like Steve said.
Additional items to carry might be; electricians tape,*extra spark plug(s), fuel line, wire*ties, duct tape, length of electrical wire and solderless connectors.
Be selective. You can*probably get so much "essential" gear that your vessel will sink from the extra weight!
__________________ I'm not a boat expert, I just read THT!
Here's a couple of spare part type items that I think are essential. A spare ignition key and a complete spare ignition switch with keys.... both have come in handy.
__________________ Tight Lines
Capt Bob LeMay
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Emergency tool kit 
Isnt that the point? its adjustable! BTW There is no such thing...
