Right tools for the job

Stu Davies explains what's inside his toolbox so he can tackle (almost) any job on board

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You now own a new or new-to-you boat, and you're ready to get going, but what happens if something breaks while you're sailing or boating?

Who will fix it? Can you fix it, and of course, what tools do you need for the job? The cost and quality of the tools also come into play, too.

The first decision you have to make is, who is going to repair my boat? Can you do it all yourself? Can you do a bit? Are you able to repair wood? Engines? Glassfibre? Sails? Once you've answered those questions you can work out what you actually need and the quality of the tool you need to buy.

The age of your boat is also a factor. A very old vessel might need imperial spanners for the engine; later boats use metric sizes.

On our boat, my wife, Laura, and I generally do it all. I've got a tool bag on board with a selection of tools for big maintenance jobs, plus I have a small day bag with screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable spanner and side cutters which I use when doing little jobs.

Laura has a Singer 201K sewing machine on board, which she has used to make a new cockpit tent with side windows as well as other repairs.

I've also got a mains-powered drill and a battery drill, plus a decent hacksaw, wood chisels, pullers for removing props etc and a heavy-duty pop riveter. I've also got an oscilloscope to go with my standard multimeter.

For basic maintenance, I have a pair of pliers, needle-nose pliers, a small electrical screwdriver, electrical side cutters, a medium size Pozidriv screwdriver, a medium flat blade screwdriver and a small adjustable spanner.

Any more tools than that need some careful thought.

Which tools to buy?