www.iFourWinns.com

Morning All!

I'm getting back into boating after a 25 year respite and am building an onboard tool kit list for my 1998 Vista 258. Would love some suggestions, she has a Volvo Penta 5.7 engine and Mercruiser outdrive.

Thanks

Linda

Zip ties, electrical meter, I keep some small wire, crimp fittings ( electrical ), screwdrivers, spare hose clamps, adjustable wrench, socket set, fuel filter. That's off top of my head..

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2001 Four Winns Vista 248 by rick2752, on Flickr

Congrats and best wishes on the 258. I would also recommend wrenches, socket set, screwdrivers, pliers, electrical tools, wire, and connectors, tape, sealants and glue, oil, spare spark plugs, spare prop and prop wrench, assortment of hardware, volt/ohm meter, flashlights, telescoping inspection, mirror, tow rope, etc, etc, etc. Owners manuals and repair manuals are also very helpful.

A mechanic is only as good as his tools and resources, and the tools are only as useful as the skill and creativity of the user. It seems that some people could justify a large roller tool box, while others would be better served with a cell phone, towing insurance, and a credit card. I've seen enough guys that don't know which end of a screwdriver to hold. Consider the types of activities you will be doing, where you will be boating, the types of repair you might need to do, and the capabilities of those on board or nearby. Hope this helps.

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Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

I think I would add a fishing net....used mine many times for things other than fish. Pulled many hats in, as well as the one time it surely saved my life.

Here's that story...

Out on a very windy day to do some fishing, heading back the wind got worse. The person with me had zero knowledge of boats, so I attached my safety lanyard to my vest in case something went wrong and started back toward the dock. The first wave I hit pulled the cord and killed the engine. When I went to put the lanyard back on I found the plastic had gotten brittle and snapped in two! Tried taping, wire tying etc. and the rocks were getting closer. The position of the switch is such that it is impossible to press it while driving. I look over and see the fishing net, quickly wedge it between the stair and the switch and we miss being torn apart by the rocky shore by feet!

The fishing net....surely a life saving necessity!

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Chris and Alicia
Las Vegas, NV
ALTIVA
1996 Four Winns 238 Vista Dlx 5.8Fi