Dave and I are pretty convinced that having a good tool collection on the boat is vitally important. Boats break. That’s all there is to it.
So what tools do we find most useful? Last night, Dave and I made a list of 10 general-purpose tools that have worked really well for us and that perhaps aren’t the run-of-the-mill hammers, screwdrivers and hacksaws. Originally I was going to just post a list of them, but then I realized I needed to write more about why we particularly like them. So one at a time it is.
First up: The Stanley 145-Piece Mechanics Tool Set.
Dave got this when we moved ashore after selling our first cruising boat . . . complete with most of the tools on it. He’s had it for 7 years now, and literally nothing has broken, failed, or been less than satisfactory.
Stanley also makes smaller sets, but we use just about everything that’s in this set. It includes:
- 1/4″ and 3/8″ socket driver
- SAE and metric sockets — regular and deep
- Socket extenders
- Screwdriver handle and adapter for sockets (not used a lot, but when it’s needed, it’s really handy)
- SAE and metric Allen wrenches in holders (we find it handy NOT to have them on a ring or hooked together)
- 8 box/open wrenches — SAE and metric
Admittedly this set doesn’t include every wrench or socket size we need on Barefoot Gal, but it covers probably 85-90% of what we need. Dave has had to purchase very few others. It’s a great “core” set.
Reasons we particularly like it:
- High quality tools at a great price — less than $60 for the whole set
- All the little pieces snap into place in the case, so they don’t go flying if the case is open and the boat rolls. This is a BIG advantage!
- Since there is a place for everything, it’s easy to see if a piece is missing when you’re putting things away from a project . . . and find it then.
- Case is pretty compact for what it contains. It is fairly sturdy, although Dave has had to repair one latch with some Gorilla Tape (Amazon).
Stanley also makes a 201-piece set that includes a 1/2″ driver and sockets — we don’t need this on Barefoot Gal, but it would be useful on larger/heavier boats and is also a great deal at less than $60.
One note: we’ve never invested in stainless wrenches (too expensive!) and have never really had a problem with tools corroding, even in the 6+ years we cruised full time aboard Que Tal. If one is exposed to salt water, we rinse it off in fresh and then spray it with WD-40.
The Stanley sets are sold at many Home Depot locations (and online with free shipping) and also on Amazon (it’s over the threshold for free shipping and is Prime eligible).
- Amazon: Stanley Tool Sets — ranging in size from 40 pieces to 201 pieces
- Home Depot: Stanley 145-Piece Tool Set
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Claire Ford says
Jack uses moth balls in the tool chest for rust prevention. I know, I know–they’re not good for breathing, but I make him keep it outside in a dry locker. They’ve worked for over 12 years.
Jim Watson says
I have a full toolbox but my most-used tool that I always keep within reach is a Leatherman.
James Gyore says
Mustadmit, building your own boat gives you the l
The Boat Galley says
Such a great idea when you can!
Sailing Chance says
We like to get Harbor Freight hand tools. They are a relatively low investment cost, and there is a lifetime waranty on them. We’ve brought in wrenches/screwdriver sets in as they rust up or wear out and they’ve replaced them no questions asked. Great if you are in the states!
John Brethauer says
I have three, one in each boat and one in a truck, they are the best for the price