Carry items that match the exact equipment and skills on board. A large box of almost-correct parts creates false confidence.
Core tools
- Metric or imperial sockets and spanners as the engine requires
- Screwdrivers, pliers, side cutters and locking pliers
- Calibrated torque wrench for suitable tasks
- Multimeter with fused leads and clamp meter where appropriate
- Crimp tool and terminals approved for the vessel wiring
- Inspection mirror, torch and headlamp
- Filter wrench, impeller puller and oil extraction equipment
- Hose pinch tool, soft plugs and wooden damage-control plugs
- Infrared thermometer, vacuum gauge or other diagnostic tools you can interpret
Core consumables and spares
- Engine and gearbox oil in approved grades
- Premixed compatible coolant
- Oil, primary fuel and secondary fuel filters
- Raw-water impellers with seals
- Matched belts
- Selected coolant, fuel and raw-water hose plus correct clamps
- Fuses, relays and lamps for installed equipment
- Absorbent pads, containers, nitrile gloves and waste bags
- Model-specific sensors or pumps only where failure history and diagnostic ability justify them
For remote cruising, add enough parts to complete a full service after contaminated fuel, repair the most vulnerable cooling connections and restore starting. Split critical spares between dry locations. Maintain a spreadsheet with part number, compatible model, quantity, storage location and replacement date.