21 items to keep on your boat

Add these useful items to your onboard boat box:

• Spare kill-switch clip
• WD-40 or other lubricating/cleaning spray
• Wrench
• Voltmeter
• Spare engine pull cord
• Portable jump-starter or jumper cables
• Spare spark plugs
• Socket wrench set and extension
• Rubber mallet
• Owner’s manual for your engine
• Heavy monofilament fishing line
• Small funnel
• Spare propeller and floating prop wrench
• Landing net

Other practical items:

• Losing a gas cap overboard when refuelling can be a major headache, especially if rain is forecast. Carry a spare.
• A classic cure-all, duct tape can be used temporarily to fix anything from leaky hoses to damaged hulls.
• Green, red, and white light sticks can sub in for running lights if yours fail.
• A portable electric bilge pump that’s battery-powered can keep you afloat if your onboard pump fails or is unable to keep up with an emergency leak. Just make sure the batteries are fresh.
• Because you know you’re going to lose the original someday: a spare bilge plug.
• Found at marine supply stores in a variety of sizes, conical wooden bungs can be used to temporarily fill circular voids caused by broken through-hull fittings or damaged hoses.
• Modern engines often have a variety of 
fuses to protect their electrical systems. Carry spares in the proper sizes.

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