You never know what can go wrong on a cruise, even a short one around the corner. You have to be a skipper who can be a doctor, a mechanic, a boat builder, also an electrician.

As skippers we have to be across all the above by having on board all the required information and tools that relates to the boat safety and maintenance. To avoid major stress and expense, below is a suggested list of items to have aboard.

1.     a workshop manual for the motor complete with sail drive information

2.     a flashing red LED trouble light for tracing faults in the fridge 

3.     the correct Cav and oil filters 

4.     a spare fan belt

5.     2 water pump impellors with gaskets and lube

6.     spare sections of hose for engine and plumbing

7.     rubber weld tape

8.     a tube of sika flex 

9.     a multi meter for tracing faults and spare electric cable

10. a selection of connectors of all types along with a soldering iron and solder

11. a pop rivet gun and assorted rivets

12. a set of socket spanners and open end spanners to match the engine   bolts, also allen keys 

13. a large hacksaw and a small metal saw

14. a drill and drill bits

15. an assortment of hose clamps small to large stainless 

16. long nose and short nose pliers 

17. a selection of screw drivers phillips and flat blade

18. a coil of gal wire

19. plumbing seals for the toilet or replacement pump

20. an assortment of shackles and blocks and rope to replace a frayed halyard

21. a sail repair kit and fibs for splicing ropes plus some sail fabric

22. spare globes of all types

23. a collection of wood bungs tied to the outlets

24. a set of jumper leads 

25. spare oil for the motor and gear box and also for the outboard

26. engine coolant always use the same colour

27. a small hand pump

28. a tube of epoxy glue and super glue

29. a selection of odds and ends like split pins, washers, seals, nuts and  bolts 

30. a hammer and punch

31. a selection of batteries for devices onboard

These are just a few of the essential items that you should carry while cruising. You should be able to tackle a lot of simple repairs with the above from a fan belt to water pump replacement and also change the Cav and oil filters.  

To become a more competent skipper a selection of books on how to repair small diesel engines and general boat repairs should always be close at hand to put you at ease when tackling these problems that can happen any time.

Derek Howie, Rendezvous

May 2021