If you are serious about boating, you probably go all out to ensure that you have the best gear that money can buy. With so much time spent putting together the best gear and equipment, it can be easy to forget that something small and simple can put your boat in dry dock. This is as true for small fishing boats as it is for ships that work off the coast of Australia. When it comes to rustproofing in boats and ships, rather than reacting to problems when they occur, you may actually be better served by being proactive.
We will talk about rust prevention a little later in this piece, but for now, let’s talk about the importance of a well-stocked tool kit that includes things like a hammer, sockets, wrenches, and jumper cables. These are as crucial to your safety and the smooth running of your boat as life jackets and a fire extinguisher are. These are the small items that are easy to forget, but which could end up saving your life in an emergency.
There are some little tools that you might forget, but which should definitely be in the secure, rustproof toolbox on your boat. One tool that you should spend a little money on is heavy duty side cutters. Wiring issues are all too common on boats and ships, and a good pair of side cutters will help you make those repairs quickly and efficiently.
A good prop wrench is something that you might never have to use, but you should absolutely always have one on your boat. You can’t always see what’s under the water, and it only takes one decent hit or snag before you are required to change out the prop. Vice grips and channel locks are also a must, as these adjustable wrenches will lighten your tool load a little and make it possible to make all manner of repairs on your boat.
Zip ties are an inexpensive addition to your toolbox, but are no less an essential addition than the previously mentioned items. The same is true of electrical tape, which can come in handy for all sorts of different on-board tasks. Screwdrivers, Allen wenches, and torque heads are the final pieces needed for your boat toolbox. With all these items on board, you should never encounter an issue that can’t be repaired.
If we are going to talk about prevention when talking about boats, then we would be remiss if we didn’t talk about rust protection. Rather than waiting until the first signs of rust appear, you should consider being proactive. Rust proofing doesn’t come much more effective than what you get when using a product like Rust Bullet. This is a product that is routinely used on the US Navy ships, so it’s safe to say that it will do the job quite nicely on your fishing boat or leisure craft.
