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Just wondering what extra bit of gear experienced boaters like to have on board for those just in case moments. I figure on my new to me boat I will carry basic hand tools, multi meter, first aid kit, air horn....probably the same stuff you all mostly carry. Is there some bit of gear you make sure you have on board for dealing with the unexpected?

Thanks in advance.

Typically a small toolbox with the basics, horn, flares, whistle, paddle, fire extinguishers (yes, multiple after my recent incident), 30' heavy gauge jumper cables, and it feels like there's something else I'm forgetting. A first aid kit is a really good idea though. I hadn't thought of that.

Another item I've started carrying is a lithium battery jump starter. It is about the size of an old VHS cassette but is supposed to have enough power to start a large Diesel engine.

Dub

Yes on the jump box. And all of the above. Some also have an outlet! VHF, spotlight (I like the new fangled rechargeable hand helds, and not a cheap one cause when you need it, you need it. ditto for the vhf), an epirb offshore or the new little bitty personal epirbs even. Oh don't forget a phone charger and cord! Ha! Some Extra line for a tow.

We are on a small lake so the above is what we have. If going offshore at all be sure to bring gallons of drinking water. People often forget this but on a hot day on the water it doesn't take long to start feeling ill from dehydration.

I have extra anchors as well. Same as you all above. I have the small had held jump pack as well with jumper cables. Paddle, extra towels, rain gear, sweatshirts.

Great suggestions. I'll add a must have in my opinion for the tool box. A power probe is very useful for quickly figuring out electrical glitches, as you can fire up any circuit that is not functioning. (Careful with circuit boards).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00G4YUW ... ref=plSrch
I also want a search light and binoculars. Anyone know a good light to get??

Alaskabound wrote: Tue Jun 06, 2017 6:59 pm Another item I've started carrying is a lithium battery jump starter. It is about the size of an old VHS cassette but is supposed to have enough power to start a large Diesel engine.

Dub

After your post I read up on these things a bit as I had never heard of them, and I can't help but be a bit skeptical. How in the hell does something so small manage to start a big engine? Have you tried it yet? I am intrigued, but it's just hard to believe. Also, for the price of one of the beefier ones, it seems like it'd be more cost effective to just have a third battery mounted, with a three bank maintainer/charger to keep it and the others topped off, and swap the cables over from one of the others if necessary. Although, the little jump starter would weight a hell of a lot less.

I'm a service manager at a Chrysler dealership and we have switched to these years ago. The techs have there own even. I've had my own also for years. I don't go anywhere without it. In the off season when I remove the batteries I just put this on and do stash I have to do. You can get about three his jump starts with this on one charge. Plus you can plug your cell phone to it if you need to charge it.bonus

Wow! What are the specs on yours? I'm wondering what size is really necessary.

These are all great ideas. I guess I'm going to be putting a kit together now!

I have one of those small jump boxes that I got at Walmart for $30 bucks. It works really good. Don't kow if it will jump a diesel though..

Picked one of these up yesterday . Quite impressed with the output for the money spent. Overall I don't like rechargeable lights as emergency devices. Certainly a good spare to throw on board.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nvc5seMW1s
They are $29.00 on Amazon.

Notstock, I used on a v6 once. Battery in car was so dead I left it attached until I got to a battery dealer. I got the biggest spec one they offered. One of the things I like about it is I take it on the boat, in cars during travel, or my motorhome. The motorhome has a 6.8 L v10 so it would be the biggest challenge. I watched a utube video of them starting a diesel city bus but I'm sure that could have been staged. I read about these on a Tiffin motorhome forum and the guy there had used it to jump a Cummings diesel. I was skeptical, too. The stuff you learn on forums!

Would like to hear if BB has any results at the Dodge dealership as they have big v8's & diesels.

Dub

Just checked, the one I got was a Weego JS18. The manual says it will start a 9.6 L gas or 4.8 L diesel. It was a little pricey, about $160. But if it saves you just one time, it's a bargain.

Dub

Yep this is all the guys use now. Hemi 6.4 no issues. Cummins not sure but prob. The sales staff had switched over as well.