It is my contention that the difference between a house and a boat is that if something breaks at sea, you have three choices 1) fix it, 2) replace it, or 3) do without it. At home, you call the plumber. At sea, you need some basic tools to survive if you don 't want to do without.

In my opinion, WD-40 and duct tape are two essentials. According to the old adage, "If it doesn 't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and it shouldn 't, use duct tape." WD-40 restored our frozen steering column mid-Atlantic and duct tape held our dodger together in a gale when it broke apart.

According to one interesting website, WD-40, duct tape and vice grips can handle almost any household job. http://artofmanliness.com/2012/03/12/the-walt-kowalski-toolbox/. But what about on a boat?

What 's your favorite use for WD-40 and duct tape? And are there other secret or not-so-secret weapons in your arsenal?


Other secret weapons: gorilla glue, liquid wrench, barkeeper 's friend...

Vice Commodore, OCC 

Hi Daria,
WD 40 is a good product, but it should be noted that it leaves a film which will attract dirt (and whatever) after it is used if it is not cleaned off. That may be the reason for the salt collection tha dcaukill mentioned in his/her post. I consider WD 40 as mostly a cleaning agent and form lubricating/releasing sticky connections/locks/gear etc. There is a CRC product (I forget the #) that does all the WD40 does, but does not leave a residue.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy