RECOMMENDED ON BOARD EQUIPMENT
This list covers the equipment we believe should always be carried on board for routine cruising, minor mechanical issues, and everyday situations that can quickly become stressful if you are unprepared. None of this gear is about fixing major failures on the water — it is about handling the small, common problems that happen far more often.
TOOLS
Allen Wrenches – Used for hose clamps, helm components, seat hardware, and various marine fittings.
Jack Knife – For cutting line, rope, or webbing quickly in an emergency.
Phillips Screwdriver Set – Common fastener type for electrical panels, fixtures, and interior hardware.
Slotted Screwdriver Set – Often used on hose clamps, terminals, and older fittings.
Combination Box & End Wrench Set – Essential for battery connections, engine accessories, and fuel system fittings.
Pliers – Gripping, bending, pulling cotter pins, or holding parts while working in tight spaces.
Ratchet & Socket Set – Faster and safer for engine work than wrenches alone.
Electrical Crimper & Cutter – For repairing or replacing electrical connectors and terminals.
Hammer – Seating stubborn fittings, tapping stuck parts, or emergency improvisation.
Jumper Cables – For emergency battery assistance from another boat or dock power source.
Battery Terminal Remover – Safely removes tight or corroded battery terminals without damage.
Vise Grip – Temporary clamp, emergency lever, or backup tool when something breaks.
Floating Flashlight/Lantern – Hands-free lighting for engine compartments or night work; floats if dropped.
GFCI Tester – Confirms shore power outlets are wired correctly before connecting equipment.
Electrical Strippers – Cleanly strips insulation without damaging wire conductors.
Oil & Fuel Filter Wrench – Allows filter changes or tightening without damaging housings.
Jack Knife – For cutting line, rope, or webbing quickly in an emergency.
Phillips Screwdriver Set – Common fastener type for electrical panels, fixtures, and interior hardware.
Slotted Screwdriver Set – Often used on hose clamps, terminals, and older fittings.
Combination Box & End Wrench Set – Essential for battery connections, engine accessories, and fuel system fittings.
Pliers – Gripping, bending, pulling cotter pins, or holding parts while working in tight spaces.
Ratchet & Socket Set – Faster and safer for engine work than wrenches alone.
Electrical Crimper & Cutter – For repairing or replacing electrical connectors and terminals.
Hammer – Seating stubborn fittings, tapping stuck parts, or emergency improvisation.
Jumper Cables – For emergency battery assistance from another boat or dock power source.
Battery Terminal Remover – Safely removes tight or corroded battery terminals without damage.
Vise Grip – Temporary clamp, emergency lever, or backup tool when something breaks.
Floating Flashlight/Lantern – Hands-free lighting for engine compartments or night work; floats if dropped.
GFCI Tester – Confirms shore power outlets are wired correctly before connecting equipment.
Electrical Strippers – Cleanly strips insulation without damaging wire conductors.
Oil & Fuel Filter Wrench – Allows filter changes or tightening without damaging housings.
SPARE PARTS
Fuel Filter – Clogged filters are a common cause of engine trouble and easy to replace underway.
Spark Plugs – Fouled plugs can cause rough running or no-start conditions.
Water Pump Belt – A failed belt can immediately lead to overheating.
Alternator Belts – Critical for battery charging and engine accessories.
Anti-siphon Valve – A small part that can clog and starve the engine of fuel.
Extra Propellers – Ground strikes happen; a spare prop can save a tow.
Propeller Nuts & Hardware – Easily lost during prop changes; impossible to improvise.
Extra Light Bulbs / Batteries – Navigation and interior lights fail at the worst times.
Fuses – Electrical protection devices that often fail before anything else does.
Liquid Wrench & Oil – Frees seized fasteners and helps prevent corrosion.
Gear Lubricant – For topping up drive units after minor leaks or servicing.
Water Pump Impeller – A wear item that can fail suddenly and cause overheating.
Funnel – Prevents spills when adding oil, coolant, or gear lube in tight spaces.
Duct & Electricians Tape – Temporary repairs, insulation, bundling, and labeling.
Serpentine / V-Belt – Redundancy for critical engine systems.
Engine & Transmission Oil – Allows safe top-ups after leaks or routine checks.
Spark Plugs – Fouled plugs can cause rough running or no-start conditions.
Water Pump Belt – A failed belt can immediately lead to overheating.
Alternator Belts – Critical for battery charging and engine accessories.
Anti-siphon Valve – A small part that can clog and starve the engine of fuel.
Extra Propellers – Ground strikes happen; a spare prop can save a tow.
Propeller Nuts & Hardware – Easily lost during prop changes; impossible to improvise.
Extra Light Bulbs / Batteries – Navigation and interior lights fail at the worst times.
Fuses – Electrical protection devices that often fail before anything else does.
Liquid Wrench & Oil – Frees seized fasteners and helps prevent corrosion.
Gear Lubricant – For topping up drive units after minor leaks or servicing.
Water Pump Impeller – A wear item that can fail suddenly and cause overheating.
Funnel – Prevents spills when adding oil, coolant, or gear lube in tight spaces.
Duct & Electricians Tape – Temporary repairs, insulation, bundling, and labeling.
Serpentine / V-Belt – Redundancy for critical engine systems.
Engine & Transmission Oil – Allows safe top-ups after leaks or routine checks.
BASIC GEAR
Tow Line (50-75ft 5/8") – For emergency towing or assisting another vessel.
Mooring Lines – Primary lines for docks, locks, and overnight stops.
Dock Fenders – Protect the hull when tied alongside docks or lock walls.
Distress Signals – Required safety equipment for signaling an emergency.
First Aid Kit – For treating minor injuries before they become serious.
Boat Hook – Grabbing lines, pushing off docks, or reaching lock cables.
Foul Weather Gear – Staying dry prevents fatigue and loss of concentration.
VHF Radio – Primary communication tool for locks, marinas, and emergencies.
Charts & Plotting Instruments – Backup navigation when electronics fail.
Emergency Water & Food – Delays happen; dehydration and low energy reduce judgment.
Bailer or Hand Bilge Pump – Manual water removal if electric pumps fail.
EPIRB & Fire Extinguisher – Emergency signaling and fire suppression equipment.
Personal Flotation Devices – One properly sized PFD for every person on board.
Life Raft – For offshore or extended cruising where abandonment is a possibility.
Clean Rags & Bucket – Cleaning spills, checking fluids, and general utility.
Cell Phone – Backup communication, weather, and navigation tool.
Mooring Lines – Primary lines for docks, locks, and overnight stops.
Dock Fenders – Protect the hull when tied alongside docks or lock walls.
Distress Signals – Required safety equipment for signaling an emergency.
First Aid Kit – For treating minor injuries before they become serious.
Boat Hook – Grabbing lines, pushing off docks, or reaching lock cables.
Foul Weather Gear – Staying dry prevents fatigue and loss of concentration.
VHF Radio – Primary communication tool for locks, marinas, and emergencies.
Charts & Plotting Instruments – Backup navigation when electronics fail.
Emergency Water & Food – Delays happen; dehydration and low energy reduce judgment.
Bailer or Hand Bilge Pump – Manual water removal if electric pumps fail.
EPIRB & Fire Extinguisher – Emergency signaling and fire suppression equipment.
Personal Flotation Devices – One properly sized PFD for every person on board.
Life Raft – For offshore or extended cruising where abandonment is a possibility.
Clean Rags & Bucket – Cleaning spills, checking fluids, and general utility.
Cell Phone – Backup communication, weather, and navigation tool.
VIDEO: WHAT YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CARRY ON BOARD
This video reinforces an important principle: most on-water problems are small, preventable,
and manageable — if you are properly equipped. The goal is not to carry a floating hardware store,
but to have the right core tools, spare parts, and safety equipment that allow you to handle
common failures calmly and safely.
On the Rideau and similar inland waterways, help is often nearby — but being self-sufficient
prevents minor issues from turning into major disruptions. Preparation reduces stress,
protects your crew, and keeps your cruise enjoyable.