Stu Davies explains the essential tools for a boat, and what he keeps handy to make sure he can tackle (almost) any job on board. The cost and quality of the tools for a boat also come into play, too. The reality was the tool kit was not very good as it contained tools you never use, and the tools you do need for boat work were not there. To choose the correct tools for a boat, you need to look at the age of your boat and which engine is fitted. As for American tools, there are tools for everything; it seems they invent something for every job!