Boat Care Starter Kit
Proper boat care is important. It keeps your boat performing well, extends the lifespan of the model, and reduces the number of visits to the mechanic. But without the right tools, you won't be able to tackle the DIY boat maintenance tasks. Below you'll find the essential items to put in your boat care starter kit. If you have any questions or want to shop boats for sale, visit New Jersey Outboards. Our dealership is based in Bayville, New Jersey. We also proudly serve those in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as New York and Connecticut.
A Moisture Meter
Yes, boats are designed to explore various waterways. But they are not designed to handle excessive water coming inside the vessel. It's important to be on the lookout for high levels of moisture on board, which can lead to damaging mold and mildew growth.
Enter: the moisture meter. This tool belongs in every boat care starter kit. It gives a quick digital reading of moisture levels, making it easy to identify problem areas and get them fixed as soon as possible. By catching issues early, this device can save you a significant amount of money in boat repairs.
A Battery Terminal Puller
Many boat owners are capable of basic battery DIY tasks. These projects often involve removing or installing terminals, which can be risky without the right tool. It's all too easy to accidentally strip the terminal!
That's where the battery terminal puller comes in handy. It gives you the ideal amount of precision and strength to efficiently loosen terminal bolts. The best part? It's an inexpensive and budget-friendly tool to add to your boat care starter kit.
A Sharp Blade
A sharp blade is a helpful thing to have on board. It's quite the versatile item. Use the blade to undo knots, slice lines, cut gaskets, trim rope, cut nets, and more!
Because you'll be out on the water, it's important to get a blade that won't corrode. Look for titanium or stainless steel options. You may even want to get a floating model. If it slips out of your hands and tumbles into the water, it'll be easy to grab it...rather than watch it sink to the bottom of the waters.
Adjustable Face Spanner Wrench
A high-quality, stainless steel adjustable face spanner wrench is an item that's well-worth the investment. It functions as a deck key, helping you get to the sea-strainer, fuel-fill and water-fill caps, and even tackle outboard motor work.
Jumper Cables
Just like with your commuter vehicle, it's wise to keep a set of jumper cables on your boat. If the battery dies, you can connect an alternate battery or get a jump from another boat.
Keep in mind that the cheap options are often, well cheap. They have stiff wires and may not be able to provide the needed power to get the battery working again.
A Sailor's Multitool
A boat care starter kit is not complete without a multitool! Expand whatever item you need at the moment, then fold it back down when you finish to save space. There are many different models on the market - even ones made with boating in mind. These models may have a marlin spike, small blade, rope cutter, zipper pull, can opener, bottle opener, hex-nut wrench, and paint scraper.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to building a boat care starter kit! For more maintenance tips or to shop boats for sale, head over to New Jersey Outboards. Our expert staff is always happy to answer questions, give advice, and assist with anything you need. We are based in Bayville, New Jersey. We also proudly serve those in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut.