C&C 27 Association – Tools & Spare Parts

The following is published as a back-handed salute to a fellow (who shall remain nameless, but he knows who he is) who interrupted his summer cruise to rent a car and drive the 400-mile round trip from Kingston to Toronto and back because he had neither a spare impeller nor tools to install it. If you do find yourself in a situation like this, don't despair if the first inquiries are negative – ask farther afield; it's impossible to believe that a sailing town like Kingston couldn't provide an A4 impeller.

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Tool	Type	Use
Allen keys	Standard plus metric if required
Bolt cutters	18" (approx.) long	Rigging failure (an offshore racing requirement)
Drill bits	1/16" to 3/8" set	It's easy to borrow a drill, less so to borrow sharp drill bits – keep them greased and in a sealed box that keeps them from rattling together, which dulls them.
Feeler gauges		Engine, shaft coupling
File	8"-10" fine-toothed flat
Hacksaw & spare blade
Magnet	Strong	Fishing for favourite tools that have gone swimming.
Nut-driver	5/16"	The size for a hose clamp – eases an otherwise frustrating task.
Pliers (adjustable)	2"	Gripping larger objects (preferably not nuts and bolts – that's why you have wrenches).
Pliers (needle-nose)		Gripping smaller objects
Multi-meter	Digital	Electrical testing
Receptacle tester		Test receptacles for safe wiring – see note below.
Scissors	Strong	Toolbox scissors help you avoid "you're not cutting that with my good scissors" spousal conflicts.
Screwdrivers	Phillips – large Phillips #1 Phillips #2 Robertson #1 Robertson #2 Standard flat, large Standard flat, small	Everything from opening paint to mixing drinks – can be used in a pinch to drive screws. You need Robertson screwdrivers when working on C&C cabinetry. In the US, you can order Robertson drive bits from Lee Valley or buy "square drive" screwdrivers from Home Depot.
	Picquic Sixpac or Mariner	The exception to a general condemnation of multi-tools of any type – this is a very handy multi-bit screwdriver that's easy to use, and whose bits are hard to lose.
	Jeweller's flat and Phillips	Electronics, sunglasses
Wire strippers, crimpers		Electrical repair
Wrenches (Crescent adjustable)	10" and/or 12"	Proper tools for handling nuts & bolts
Socket & wrench set	Standard plus metric if required for your engine	Proper tools for handling nuts & bolts
Ratchet wrenches (optional)	Standard plus metric if required	Like a box wrench but they ratchet like a socket driver – wonderful in tight spaces.
Vise Grips®	10"	A last resort – should be hidden from vandals who would round off every nut on the boat, given a chance.
Utility/matte knife	Retractable blade preferred	You wouldn't dare use that cute "sailor's knife" you got for Christmas, would you?

Circuit analyzer

There is a really simple tool that can tell you if an outlet is safely wired, so simple even a child can use it, with the rather daunting name of circuit analyser. You put it in the receptacle you want to test and if the right combination of lights goes on, the receptacle is safe. A picture on the tool shows all the combinations with their meanings, so you don't even have to remember anything. If you're plugging into a twist-lock 30A connector, you can test the circuit by plugging into a receptacle on your own boat.

Cost is under $10 in any hardware store; slightly more if you buy the type that tests the effectiveness of a Ground Fault Interrupter receptacle.

How good should your tools be?

You may feel that you don't know how to use some of the tools listed above, or that they are too expensive and "just for pros". Even if you can't adjust an engine, the kind fellow who is trying to help you can do a better job given the right tools. Also, many other jobs are insanely difficult if not impossible in the confined spaces of a boat without the right tools (for instance, snugging up stanchion or toe-rail bolts is a misery without a socket set). If embarking on a serious maintenance job, look seriously into pro-quality tools if you value your time. For instance, sanding bottom paint goes much more quickly if you use a powerful random-orbit sander like a Bosch, paired with a dust-extraction system. The sander will cost you $100, then there are the costs of the dust-extraction hose and a small shop vacuum, but the job will take half the time you'd need with some 'handyman'-quality sander and your eyes and lungs won't get filled with crud (which will happen even with a good face-mask and goggles).

Experienced marine mechanics swear that top-quality tools like Snap-On have an uncanny affection for water, the deeper the better, not shared with such vigour by mid-price tools. No one likes cheap tools – they damage your hands and the part you are working on. Multi-tools belong in your kitchen drawer (except the Picquic; see above in Screwdrivers). All-in-one tool kits, usually sold in large and unwieldy 'convenient' plastic containers that lock each tool in place, generally contain tools that sailors don't need or don't contain the ones they want; you are probably better off picking and choosing your own selection.

One yacht-building company recommends Sears tools as a quality target – these are good mid-price tools that often go on sale. Canadian Tire also sells comprehensive mid-price socket sets for C$70-$100 that are more than adequate for weekend mechanics. Their mid-price screwdrivers and wrenches are also good value. Canadian Tire often has tool sales, plus you get Canadian Tire money to misplace around the house.