Our last category of specialty tools deals with with electrical systems on board. These seem to get more use than the general tools – that probably tells you something about where most maintenance occurs on boats.

We’ll start with crimping tools, since badly done crimps cause a lot of onboard problems. The bottom crimping tool is what you are used to seeing. Correct use requires two crimps on each fitting, of just the right amount of pressure. The tool above is more automated. It does two crimps at one time, and does not release until enough pressure – but not too much – has been applied.

There are all sorts of wire stripping tools available. We like these simple strippers. Two sizes should be aboard – one for larger and another for smaller wires.

We do most of our soldering with an electric gun. But we often find that for quick jobs this propane-powered unit is ideal. But you need to be aware that there is a risk from the gas if it leaks into your bilge.

Of course you’ll have a multi-meter aboard. These take the concept to the next step. They are clamp meters which give you accurate amperage readings off what’s going through the wire being clamped. We carry two – the smaller is for tight AC circuits. The larger swings both ways and does AC and DC. We often use it to check on heavy DC loads such as inverters and winches.