Do it Yourself Sailboat Projects

Creating a well-stocked toolbox is a sailor’s first project. Sailboats are unpredictable creatures; anything can happen at any time. Having a well-stocked toolbox is essential to the life of the boat and to the lives of the sailors. A well-stocked and maintained toolbox will not only help with future maintenance projects but also will assist in repairs under way.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 labeled tool boxes
  • Quick-repair tools:
  • 2 crescent wrenches
  • 2 large and small flathead screwdrivers
  • 2 large and small Phillips screwdrivers
  • 2 tubes of sealant
  • 1 Teflon spray lubricant
  • 2 rolls of electrical tape
  • 2 rolls of rigging tape
  • 1 medium vise-grips
  • 1 folding knife
  • 2 disposable lighters
  • Woodworking kit:
  • 1 hammer
  • 2 rasps
  • 2 wood chisels
  • 1 brace and bit
  • 1 small plane
  • 4 sheets of sandpaper
  • Mechanical kit:
  • 2 wrenches
  • 1 Socket set
  • 1 torque wrench
  • 1 metal chisel
  • Punches
  • 1 large vise-grip
  • 1 channel-lock pliers
  • 2 large and small flathead screwdrivers
  • 2 large and small Phillips screwdrivers
  • 1 hacksaw
  • 1 battery-powered drill with metal drill bits
  • Electrical kit:
  • 1 multi-tester,
  • 1 wire strippers
  • 1 diagonal cutters
  • 1 needle-nose pliers
  • 1 soldering iron and solder
  • Connectors
  • 2 rolls of electrical tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Organize your toolbox into mini tool kits. Organize the tools needed according to work areas such as an electrical kit, woodworking kit, and a mechanical kit. A quick-repair kit might also be beneficial. Label each tool kit accordingly. Check your boat for types of measurements. Make sure you have metric tools for the job if needed.

    • 2

      Create a quick-repair kit with tools you might need to complete a quick repair. Such tools include a crescent wrench, flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, sealant, Teflon spray, electrical tape, rigging tape, vise-grips, a knife and a lighter.

    • 3

      Create an electrical kit with the tools you might need to complete an electrical repair. Such tools might include a multi-tester, wire strippers, diagonal cutters, needle-nose pliers, soldering iron and solder. Also include connectors and electrical tape.

    • 4

      Create a mechanical kit with tools needed to complete a mechanical repair. Such tools might include wrenches, sockets, a torque wrench, metal chisel, punches, a large vise-grip, channel-lock pliers, hacksaw and a battery-powered drill with metal drill bits. Also, include large and small flathead and Phillips screwdrivers.

    • 5

      Create a woodworking kit with the tools needed to complete a woodworking repair. Such tools include are hammer, rasps, wood chisels, brace and bit, small plane and sandpaper.

    • 6

      Create a toolbox checklist. A checklist ensures all tools are where they should be. Review your toolbox checklist as part of your departure checklist. When you find tools missing or broken, replace them immediately.

    • 7

      Create a sailboat maintenance checklist. A properly maintained boat means keeping an eye out for problems, such as loose fittings, fraying ropes, jammed winces, leaky pipes, or clogged strainers. Creating a maintenance checklist allows you to follow a preventive maintenance routine that will cut down on emergency repairs while at sea. Your maintenance checklist will provide valuable information as to when and where you repaired or replaced every part or system on your boat.