Bosun's Box

 

The chances are that if something can go wrong, it will. With this in mind, carrying a few spare bits and pieces with which to effect running repairs is a good idea. A bosun’s box or ditty bag will keep all these items clean dry and in the same place so that if you need a spare shackle at four in the morning you know just where to find it. What you actually carry in your box or bag will depend to some extent on the type and size of boat that you have but those items that I have shown here are a good starting point and have got me out of trouble on more than one occasion. Click on the image to make it larger.

 Notebook and pen
Use these for all sorts of things, from making lists of jobs to be done to sketching a disassembled component.

 Spare cable

A few lengths of cables of different gauges can be used to make temporary repairs to wiring and electronics.

 Cotter pins

Always carry a good selection of these in various sizes to lock off rigging. Cotter pins should never be used more than once.

 Clean rags

You’ll need plenty of rags every time you check the engine oil or clean out a paint brush. Paper towels can be used as an alternative.

 Tape

You can make fast, effective repairs with the correct type of tape. Carry duct, electrical, and masking tape as a minimum.

 Crimp terminals

A simple way to make proper connections to the end of electrical cables. Available in a variety of sizes.

 Container

Many of the items shown here need to be kept dry; a plastic screw-down flare container makes an ideal bosun’s box.

 Spectra cord

Immensely strong and lightweight, Spectra cord is perfect for repairing your standing rigging.

 Cleats

These were left over from another boat, but I’m sure they’ll come in handy one day.

 Nuts, bolts and screws

Carry at least a couple of every size used on the boat. They should be bronze or stainless; brass corrodes in seawater and has little strength.

 Blocks

Can be used for everything from rigging a spare halyard to fixing up a laundry line.

 Shackles

Countless uses, so carry a good selection in a variety of sizes. 

 Pipe clamps

Use stainless-steel clamps only. Great for everything from mending broken boat-hook handles to clamping pipes.

 Batteries

Carry spare batteries for on board flashlights and radios. Don’t forget the AA batteries for electronics.

 Fuses

Keeping spare fuses in a handy display package makes finding the correct size easy when the lights go out.

 Coaxial connector

A good safety item to have if you lose your main VHF antenna and need to connect up a spare.

 Knife

A yachtsman-style knife is strong enough to cut the heaviest rope; its attached shackle key can be useful.

 Heat-shrink

Seals electrical-cable joints against water ingress and can also be used as a fast method of whipping the ends of a rope.

 Gas lighter

Great for use with the heat-shrink or for lighting the boat’s barbecue.

 Varnish

Carrying spare varnish to touch up damaged areas as they happen could save hours of work come haulout time.

 Whipping twine

Perfect for whipping ropes and great for use as a lightweight laundry line.

 Pusher and fids

The only tools you need for making proper splices in braided ropes.

 Spare line

You can never have enough spare pieces of line.

 Latex gloves

Wearing these when working on the engine or doing any messy jobs makes cleanup easy.

 Brush

Cheap disposable touch-up brushes are a perfect companion to the varnish can. Great for small jobs.

 Flashlight

Can be used as a signaling lantern, a light for deep lockers, and as a safety aid in the dinghy at night.

 

 

 

Comments

[Cap'n Mic]

Thanks for the post on the redesigned Yanmar raw water pump. I've got an old 3GMF and know the inconvenience of changing the impeller. I was wondering if you knew if I can retrofit the new pump on my engine? I can't seem to find anyone who will give me a straight answer.

Thx! Cap'n Mic

[Mark]

As far as I am aware yes you can. The mounting bolt holes on the block are in the same position.