power voyaging

Trawler hand STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFF MERRILL

ne frequent question I Ohear from my trawler clients is, “What hand tools should I have on board?” Resisting the urge to reply, “Get two of everything you think you might need,” the best response is a well- thought-out set of hand tools that will enable you to effect repairs, complete servicing and get you back in opera- tion. I don’t believe that you need a separate workshop where you have power tools that will allow you to machine replacement parts (although Steve D’Antonio I’ve seen them on larger trawl- to also consider. The farther will help make sure that, for ers and they are spectacular). away from land that you trav- example, you have to Power voyag- Owner/operators should focus el, the more self-sufficient you adjust your stuffing box and a ing boats from on hand tools that they are need to be. Having the right crowbar or jumbo fully equipped comfortable using and I advise for the job takes a bit of for adjusting the alternator vessels like my clients to keep it simple upfront research by study- swing when tightening belts. this Nordhavn — start with a basic inventory ing what you need for every We live in a throwaway 68 on down and then add what you require system. Too many onboard society; if my toaster doesn’t need a tool kit as needs arise. tool chests are filled with rarely work, I buy a new one. Pulling designed for I’ve been on hundreds of used and rusty implements. a toaster apart to restore it is working on trawlers and spent time with It’s better to keep things clean only reserved for the rare tin- vessel-specific the owners to review what and orderly and employ the kerers who have desire, apti- tasks. tools they are using. For essentials that will see regular tude and, more importantly, simplicity, this review will use. the time. For cruisers, the just focus on hand tools, not You can’t be expected to important aspect is to be able power tools. A standard tool be an expert boatbuilder who to get things back into work- kit package with screwdriv- can repair everything, but you ing order, maybe not a full- ers, a socket set, ratchets, files, should be familiar enough blown repair. You don’t neces- knives, chisels, and and prepared for rudimen- sarily need to be mechanically assorted and wrenches is tary troubleshooting to keep inclined or have grown up a simple solution, but there are items functioning. An “inven- fixing cars to go out cruising, many specialty tools you need tory and anticipate” approach but it sure helps. You should www.oceannavigator.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 OCEAN NAVIGATOR 15 power voyaging

strive for the ability to make a fix from regular operational use and Diagnostic tools that will allow you to safely return to normal wear and tear. The reality is •• Digital multi-meter — essential the dock. Things happen, and even that anything that can break down for diagnosing electrical issues. temporary remedies can help save will break down, and you need to be ••AC/DC voltage detector (the the day. There is a great deal of satis- ready to handle a makeshift repair size of a large pen for confirming faction in diagnosing and then solv- that will enable you to finish your power). ing a problem on board. Eventually trip. •• Small mirror on an extension you can have a qualified technician An entire volume* could be dedi- to see the other side of the engine or replace a part or reassemble a major cated to all of the tools you can take, deep in the bilge. breakdown, so don’t fret about but this article is intended to help components you don’t comprehend. identify some of the more popular Thoughts about You will likely be just fine if you can but less commonly carried hand trawler tools service the basic pieces of equipment tools for offshore cruisers to consider that falter. in order to be prepared to keep your • Before you take off, take time at trawlers dialed-in. (*Note, a recom- the dock to inspect your systems and Most temperamental systems mended trawler tool list is available identify what tools you should have, The potentially temperamental by request at the end of this article). get them and try them out to make systems that seem to cause the most Large tool chests with built-in sure they fit and will get the job done discomfort and headaches for cruis- drawers are nice if you have room, before you need to depend on them. but soft carrying case bags are often • RTFM (read the friendly manual) more practical for mobile work and for each system and component. Find won’t scratch surfaces. out what tools you need to complete I divide trawler tools in three dif- required service intervals. Keep a hard ferent categories: diagnostic, routine copy and PDF version of each manual service and build/repair. There is a on board. limit to how much room you can • Keep your tools in a dry envi- absorb to store your tools, but you ronment. Spray them with corrosion need to give some serious thought inhibitor and wipe them down quar- to the potential situations that will terly so they don’t rust. occur, especially if a specialty tool • Kit-up specialty tools and store will be required. When you are out them near the system they will ser- Above, an onboard tool chest is a great way at sea or in an isolated anchorage, it vice. to store tools. Below, a soft tool bag for is essential to have what you need • Make a label near the item to easily carrying tools to where the work is. already on board. identify what size or tool is ers are toilets, windlasses Here are some required (see engine mount photo). and stabilizers, along basic recom- • Having the necessary spare with anything electri- mendations parts on board is essential, and make cal (fuses and to get you sure you have an appropriate comple- breakers mostly). thinking ment of tools to change out spares Many issues about what and handle the most common fixes. result from opera- you might Jeff Merrill tor error — inverting a want to keep duckbill valve on a head, aboard as defined for example — but most arise by the above categories:

16 OCEAN NAVIGATOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 www.oceannavigator.com ••Infrared temperature gun — snake” for clearing hose clogs. corrosion (battery terminals) and digital read-out thermometer. ••Crowbar, pry bar and/or extra- preparing bubbling paint for recoat- ••Borescope, an “eye” on the end long screwdriver for alternator ing. of a tube for hard-to-see inspections adjusting when changing belts. (a bit extreme but not uncommon •• for windlass — you on larger yachts with sophisticated should squeeze some grease in your systems to inspect difficult areas to windlass’ Zerk fitting annually. see). ••Wire brush for knocking off ••Routine service tools. ••Impeller puller specific to the impeller(s) on your engine(s) and generator(s). •• for filters. ••Spring tool (long flex- Left, engine mounts snugged down and ible spring) to adjust hose clamps in labeled with date and tool size. Above, hard-to-reach places. the size of the Allen wrench and its loca- ••Drain auger — a “plumber’s tion is noted with permanent marker.

www.oceannavigator.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 OCEAN NAVIGATOR 17 power voyaging

and hacksaw. can collect and store water in fuel • Vise, either per- samples until you can dispose of the manent or temporary contents properly. mount. • Turkey baster — a giant “eye • C-clamps. dropper” for lowering the diesel • Duct tape. level in a Racor when changing ele- • Seizing wire. ments. • Wire crimpers • Jar lid gripper pad — a soft and strippers. rubber disc that provides non-slip • Tin snips (metal gripping is great for working on cutting shears). coolant reservoir caps. • Suction cup handle for support Specialty tools in an awkward reach, or for hang- Above, an underwater scraping kit I’m going to add one last catego- ing onto the boat if you must go in with a scraping tool and suction ry — specialty tools that might be the water with a mask to work on cup handle (see below) for holding surprisingly useful but often aren’t something. position underwater. Below right, on board. This list includes some • Bilge grab tool — a “long a Pik Stik bilge grabber tool. common household items that you arm” with a trigger handle and may find helpful and want to add to clamping end used to reach jars ••Stuffing box wrench set — an your trawler tool arsenal. on the top shelf at home can also open and closed wrench that can be • A wire coat hanger, which can retrieve dropped items in the bilge. worked in tandem and sized for the be fashioned to grab some- An extension (like a telescoping double nuts you need to adjust. thing out of the bilge or antenna) with a magnet on the end ••Bent tip awl — these have a ream a hose that has col- may help you reclaim a dropped bend or hook at the tip with a sharp lected impeller parts. fastener. point and can be used to pull hoses • Pipe cleaners — the • Parachute/messenger cord for off fittings (think industrial dental white pipe smoker’s clean- lashing, securing or pulling wires/ pick) and to remove flax packing. ers are great for wrapping lines. ••Slip-joint pliers. around fittings where you • Bucket, sponge, , Ziploc ••A multi-tool, such as a Leather- have fixed a leak, and will bags, rags — there are many ways man or a Gerber. wick liquid to provide a “tell- to create a mess when changing tale” if the leak comes back. fluids, usually the second time you Build/repair tools • PVC tube “persuader” have a better approach for a tidy • Safety goggles. — cutting a 1-inch-diameter transition. • Hammers — all types. PVC pipe into some short The independence that cruising • Soft pound . lengths (6 to 12 inch) that offers is one of the greatest appeals • Saws, including a wood saw can fit over a through- of the trawler lifestyle. Travel- hull valve handle will ing offshore, away from civiliza- help you reach and flex tion, and dropping the hook in a hard-to-reach outboard secluded cove provides a wonderful valves and can help keep handles escape. This freedom is much easier exercised so they don’t freeze up. to enjoy if you have prepared for • Jerry jug or empty plastic the unexpected problems that will peanut butter jar with inevitably and eventually crop up. a screw-top lid so you Boat parts, equipment and systems

18 OCEAN NAVIGATOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 www.oceannavigator.com Jeff Merrill, CPYB, is the presi- brand, oceangoing trawlers. Merrill dent of Jeff Merrill Yacht Sales, Inc.- is active in the cruising community www.JMYS.com. He is a veteran as a public speaker and writer and yacht broker who provides individual enjoys spending time at sea with cli- attention and professional representa- ents. Email Merrill at: Jeff.Merrill@ tion to buyers and sellers of premium JMYS.com. It’s a great idea to have some tools ready to go for serious work at short notice. need to be looked after properly to ensure reliability. Trawlers flex and pitch, rattle and roll — you need to tighten fasteners, clamps, etc., that loosen due to natural movement. A consistent maintenance regime with detailed records of upgrades and service work is an important way to stay ahead of the game. Proactive care and addressing even seemingly minor hiccups in a timely manner can save you a lot of angst, espe- Boatyard Or Backyard cially if your attention prevents an annoyance from developing into a disaster. Rolling and Tipping with Epifanes Okay, all this is fine to get you Delivers Exceptional Results. started, but some people just want Professional or amateur, once you’ve rolled and tipped a prepared list of what others have a boat with Epifanes two-part Poly-urethane, it will be already assembled. I’ve collaborated your go-to strategy for every paint job. The results are stunning, and Epifanes’ tech support is unsurpassed. Still with one of my clients, Kevin Jef- great for spraying, but Epifanes roll-and-tip is the proven fries, to prepare a list for his Nord- shortcut to a durable, mirror-like finish. havn 55, Red Rover. Kevin is a tool guy; he is a hands-on, Mr. Fix-It type who is quite capable. If you would like to receive a copy of the Yacht Coatings Red Rover tool list in Excel format (so you can modify yourself) please AALSMEER, HOLLAND n THOMASTON, MAINE n ABERDEEN, HONG KONG 1-800-269-0961 n www.epifanes.com send an email with the subject FOLLOW US line “Ocean Navigator Tool List A special thank-you to the owners of Moonmaiden II. Beautiful paint job. request” to the author and I’ll send it over. n www.oceannavigator.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 OCEAN NAVIGATOR 19