Last night we were going through an old stack of yachting magazines and came across a write up on a well known yacht builder’s latest offering. This sixty five footer came with everything, even a tool kit (with a photo in the article). That tool kit was one of the small plastic cases with a variety of basic tools. We had a good laugh, and then thought you might like some ideas on what should be aboard a well equipped cruising yacht.

The basic stuff is easy. It is the specialty items which often make the difference between success on your own or needing outside help. You can have the greatest spare parts inventory in the world, but without the right tools you are helpless. (For a look at the spares which come with the FPB 64 click here).

As the tools for the first FPB 64 have recently been shipped we have a few photos and some comments to share. This selection is based on what experience has taught us over the past 30 years.

We’ll start with the dental picks shown above. They don’t take a lot of space and are invaluable when required.

We’ve used our circlip tools twice in 30 years. Both times at sea and they saved our bacon.

A transfer punch set comes in handy when adding hardware (and in particular for fitting out).

You need a complete set of regular SAE and metric sockets in small and large drives. Occasionally there is no substitute for deep sockets as well.

Needle files are handy for mechanical and electrical work (the latter on contacts and when rehabing motors).

Right angle ratcheting handles for use with screwdriver ends are always useful.

A socket drive set of Allen head bits is a must.

These extra long needle nose pliers may be used once every few years. But when they are needed nothing else will do the job.

Occasionally a bit of brute force is called for, typically generated with a hammer. Ideally a soft punch is used to transmit the blow, so the offending metal does not get damaged by the steel hammer.

For tricky gasket work and other small projects a precision knife set is a real help.

Most precision screwdrivers have tiny handles. We like these as they are easier to grip.

Along with a variety of sockets, ratchet drives, breaker bars, and torque wrenches, you also should have drive adaptors so you can mix and match between different drivers and sockets.

Ever lost a part or tool in a deep recess? A magnet will come in handy for retrieval.

Following is a list of some of the specialty tools which come with the FPB 64.

In addition to these items, included are the following:

Basic sockets with 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4″ drives. Set of crow foot sockets. Flex drive for small sockets and screwdriver tips. Various metric and SAE open end/box wrench sets to 32mm. Set of Easy Outs. Electrical tools (crimper, stripper, multi-meter, soldering iron). Inspection mirror. Drill bit set, battery powered drill, AC powered drill, four inch (100mm) grinder and selection of discs.