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.
