If you’re a proud boat owner, one of your top priorities is probably to keep it in great shape for as long as possible. The best way to go about this is to perform routine maintenance. After all, you’ve invested a lot of money into your vessel, so you want to enjoy it as much as you can. A key component to regular boat maintenance is having the right tools for the job. Nisswa Marine has gathered some helpful information below. If you find yourself in need of parts or service, we can help. Give us a call or visit our dealership in Nisswa, MN, near Minneapolis.

Battery Terminal Puller

There may come a time where you need to work on your boat’s battery. You don’t want to strip the terminals by using the incorrect tools to remove or install them. Fortunately, a battery terminal puller will give you the appropriate amount of strength and precision to loosen the terminal bolts and get the job done quickly. They’re affordable tools that will come in handy during your boat maintenance routine.

Adjustable Face Spanner Wrench

Rather than attempting to use two screwdrivers to access your deck plates, you should instead invest in a high-quality stainless steel adjustable face spanner wrench. This tool is capable of serving as a deck key that helps you access fuel-fill, water-fill, and sea-strainer caps. Additionally, it’s helpful for working on your outboard motor.

Folding/Rigging Knife And/Or Scissors

A sharp blade will be useful in various situations, especially when you’re working on your boat. Whether you need to undo knots, cut rope, trim nets, slice lines, or cut gaskets, you’ll need a clean, sharp blade to get it done. Stainless steel or titanium is the best option as it won’t corrode. When you choose a quality rigging knife and a solid set of scissors, you’ll be prepared for any cutting tasks that come up. You can even invest in a set of lightweight knives that float, so you’ll never have to worry about losing them to the bottom of the lake or ocean.

Jumper Cables

Believe it or not, a reliable set of jumper cables isn’t only a necessity for your passenger vehicle. They’ll also be very helpful on your boat should the battery ever die. You can use them to hook up an alternate battery or get a jump from another boat when your battery gives out on you. Make sure you chose a quality set, though. The cheap ones have stiff wires and may not provide you with enough power to get your battery up and running again.

Sailor’s Multitool

There are several different multitool styles on the market so you have your pick when it comes to a versatile tool that can handle multiple jobs. Some of the features that come with a multitool for marine maintenance include a rope cutter, can opener, marlinspike, bottle opener, small blade, paint scraper, zipper pull, and more. A durable stainless steel model often comes in the shape of a flat card or a small folding device. Be sure to pick a quality multi-tool that gives you the most features for your money.

Moisture Meter

If you live on your boat or spend a lot of your time on it, you should keep track of leaks and areas where water is building up. Moisture meters are helpful for boat maintenance as they will provide you with a quick digital reading of the levels of moisture around your vessel. This will help you isolate the problem areas and work on getting them repaired.

Now that you’re equipped with all the tools you need, you can start conducting necessary marine repairs. When it comes to boat maintenance, be sure to keep it tuned up and serviced so that it will serve you well for many years to come. If you’re still shopping for the perfect craft, stop by our dealership in Nisswa, MN, we also serve those in St. Cloud.